SEMH Teaching Assistant

We are looking for a confident, patient and compassionate SEMH Teaching Assistant to join a specialist secondary setting in Poole, supporting students aged 10 to 16 with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs.

This role is ideal for someone passionate about making a meaningful difference to young people who require support, structure and encouragement to thrive.

About the Role
This is a full-time position, Monday to Friday, working 8.30am to 4pm, with an immediate start available.

You will support students on a one-to-one and small group basis, helping them to regulate emotions, build confidence, and engage with learning.

Working alongside dedicated teaching and wellbeing staff, you will play a key role in creating a consistent, safe and encouraging environment where progress is driven by trust and strong relationships.

About the School
The school is recognised for its child-centred, therapeutic approach, championing personal growth as much as academic success.

Staff take pride in supporting students who have faced barriers to learning, ensuring they feel safe, understood and motivated to succeed.

The culture is collaborative, compassionate and proactive, with a strong emphasis on emotional development, positive behaviour support and celebrating small-step achievements.

It is a rewarding place to work, where staff truly see the impact of their support every day.

Who We’re Looking For
We are seeking a calm, adaptable and proactive individual with a natural ability to build rapport.

Applicants must have a minimum of 6 months’ childcare experience, ideally supporting children or young people with SEN or SEMH needs.

Due to the location of the school, you must also hold a full UK driving licence and have access to your own vehicle. Experience supporting positive behaviour, emotional regulation, or trauma-informed practice is highly beneficial, but not essential for the right candidate.

Why Work with Teaching Personnel?
Teaching Personnel is the UK’s leading education recruitment agency, offering more than just placements.

We provide ongoing professional development, specialist SEMH and behaviour training, individual guidance from a dedicated consultant, and consistent access to rewarding roles that match your skills and values.

You will benefit from competitive weekly pay, a trusted support network, and real opportunities for career progression within specialist education.

Apply Now
If you are passionate about helping young people overcome challenges, develop resilience and build a brighter future, we want to hear from you.

Join Teaching Personnel and step into a role where your support can change lives.

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.
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