SEMH Teaching assistant

Are you a resilient, empathetic, and experienced Teaching Assistant looking to make a real difference in the lives of young people facing social, emotional, and mental health challenges?

We are seeking a dedicated Teaching Assistant to join one of our specialists secondary SEMH schools in the Trafford area supporting students with behavioural difficulties, mental health needs, and complex emotional challenges. This is not a mainstream setting—it’s a unique opportunity to work in a nurturing, therapeutic environment where relationships and wellbeing are at the centre.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide tailored classroom support to students with SEMH needs.
• Build strong, trusting relationships with pupils to support engagement and progress.
• Assist in de-escalating challenging behaviours with calm and effective strategies.
• Support pupils’ emotional wellbeing and mental health throughout the school day.
• Work closely with teachers and pastoral staff to ensure holistic support.
• Uphold the highest standards of safeguarding and child protection.
• Carry out general TA duties including classroom preparation, 1:1 support, and small group interventions.
• Help maintain a nurturing and safe environment which promotes emotional growth and learning.

What We’re Looking For:

✅ Proven experience working with children or young people with SEMH, behavioural or mental health challenges.
✅ Strong de-escalation skills and a trauma-informed approach.
✅ Exceptional empathy, patience, and emotional resilience.
✅ Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable students.
✅ Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
✅ A genuine passion for helping young people thrive.

Requirements

An enhanced DBS on the update service

Safeguarding training (provided)

Can provide 2 employment references (At least 2 years)

Experience with working with children or adults with additional needs

Why Join Teaching Personnel?

• Competitive rates
• Great working hours (Monday to Friday, 8:30-3:30)
• The flexibility to work part time and full time
• Collaborative consultants who will support you

Does this sound like the opportunity for you? Then apply today with your CV!

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.
All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.
Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.
We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.
For details of our privacy policy, please visit the Teaching Personnel website.