SEMH Teaching Assistant

Location: Oldham
Start Date: ASAP
Agency: Teaching Personnel

Are you patient, resilient and passionate about supporting young people who face barriers to learning?

Teaching Personnel are recruiting a committed and compassionate Teaching Assistant to join a supportive and forward‑thinking Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) in Oldham. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and young people who require a more specialised and nurturing approach to education.

About the Provision

This specialist setting supports pupils aged 5–16 who are currently unable to access mainstream education. Many learners have social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs, additional learning needs, or have experienced challenges that have affected their engagement with education. The PRU provides a safe, structured and trauma‑informed environment where pupils are encouraged to rebuild confidence, develop key life skills and re‑engage with learning.

The Role

As a Teaching Assistant, you will play a vital role in supporting pupils both academically and emotionally. You will work closely with teaching staff, pastoral teams and external professionals to deliver personalised support, helping pupils regulate emotions, manage behaviour and achieve positive outcomes.

This role is well suited to someone who is calm under pressure, consistent in their approach and genuinely invested in helping vulnerable young people succeed.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small‑group support for pupils with SEMH and SEN needs
• Build trusting, positive relationships to improve engagement and attendance
• Support pupils with emotional regulation and apply de‑escalation strategies when needed
• Adapt learning activities to meet individual learning and behaviour plans
• Promote independence, self‑esteem and positive behaviour choices
• Assist with behaviour management using trauma‑informed and restorative approaches
• Help maintain a safe, inclusive and structured learning environment
• Work collaboratively with teachers, pastoral staff and external agencies
• Maintain accurate records and contribute to support planning

The Ideal Candidate

Essential:

• Calm, confident and resilient when supporting pupils with challenging behaviour
• A genuine passion for supporting vulnerable children and young people
• Strong communication and relationship‑building skills
• Ability to maintain consistent boundaries with a caring approach
• Willingness to commit to a full‑time, long‑term role

Desirable:

• Experience working within a PRU, SEMH provision, SEN school, or youth work setting
• Understanding of trauma‑informed practice or behaviour support strategies

Apply Now

If you’re looking for a rewarding role where no two days are the same and where your support truly matters, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply today through Teaching Personnel or submit your CV to begin your journey in this impactful role.

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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