SEMH Teaching Assistant

Teaching Assistant – SEMH Support

Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire
Salary: £13.75 per hour
Contract: Term time only
Hours: Full time 
Start date: As soon as possible

Teaching Personnel are currently seeking a dedicated and empathetic Teaching Assistant to join a supportive Secondary School located in the Portsmouth area. This role is ideal for someone passionate about helping young people with social, emotional and mental health needs (SEMH) and those who may be struggling to engage in mainstream education.

You will be supporting pupils aged 11–16 on a one-to-one and small group basis, helping them access a personalised curriculum, regulate their behaviour, and build confidence in a nurturing environment.

Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting pupils in both academic and emotional development

• Assisting teachers in managing classroom behaviour

• Helping create a safe, structured and inclusive learning environment

• Building strong, trusting relationships with pupils

• Working collaboratively with staff and external professionals

About the Setting

This is a specialist alternative provision working with young people who may be at risk of exclusion, have been excluded from a mainstream setting, require short-term intervention, or need longer-term educational support due to SEMH needs, communication and interaction difficulties, or other additional needs.

Classes are small, staff are highly trained in trauma-informed approaches, and the environment is designed to support the development of both academic skills and personal wellbeing.

What We’re Looking For

• Experience working with children or young people with additional needs to include SEMH and SEND, preferrably within an educational setting

• Calm, patient and resilient approach

• Excellent interpersonal and de-escalation skills

• Ability to support students with emotional regulation and positive behaviour

• A desire to make a real difference in young lives

Role Details

• Rate of pay: £13.75 per hour

• Working hours: Full time (Mon–Fri)

• Term time only (39 weeks per year)

• Ongoing CPD and training opportunities provided via Teaching Personnel

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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