SEMH Teaching Assistant

Teaching Assistant – Secondary SEMH School

Location: Portsmouth
Salary: £13.75 per hour
Contract: Term-time only

Do you have a passion for supporting young people to overcome challenges and achieve their potential? We are looking for a resilient and caring Teaching Assistant (TA) to work in a Secondary SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health) school through Teaching Personnel.

About the School:

This specialist school supports students aged 11–16 who face a range of social, emotional, and mental health difficulties. Many pupils may have experienced trauma, adverse childhood experiences, or disrupted education. The school provides a nurturing and structured environment that helps young people build confidence, develop coping strategies, and engage positively in learning.

The Role:

As a Teaching Assistant in an SEMH setting, you’ll be a vital part of the support team, working closely with teachers and pastoral staff to:

• Provide 1:1 and small group support in and outside of the classroom

• Help students regulate their emotions and manage behaviour

• Support learning across core subjects and vocational activities

• Build positive, trusting relationships with pupils

• Implement individual behaviour and support plans

• Encourage resilience, independence, and self-esteem

• Contribute to a calm, safe, and structured learning environment

What We’re Looking For:

• A patient, understanding, and non-judgemental approach

• Experience working with children or young people, especially those with SEMH needs (desirable)

• Strong behaviour management and communication skills

• A calm and consistent presence under pressure

• A genuine commitment to making a difference in the lives of vulnerable young people

• Relevant qualifications or training (e.g. Team Teach, safeguarding, trauma-informed practice) are helpful but not essential

Why Join Us?

• £13.75 per hour – paid weekly through Teaching Personnel

• Term-time only – great for work-life balance

• Opportunity to work in a meaningful and rewarding environment

• Ongoing training and support from Teaching Personnel and school staff

• Career development in SEN and SEMH education

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.