SEMH Teaching Assistant

Graduate SEMH Teaching Assistant

Location: Rochdale

Start Date: ASAP

Are you a recent graduate looking to begin a rewarding career in education, psychology, or child development? Do you want to make a real difference to children’s lives while gaining hands‑on experience in a school setting?

We are recruiting a Graduate SEMH Teaching Assistant to join a warm and supportive school in North Manchester. This role is ideal for graduates with an interest in education, psychology, youth work, social work, or mental health, who are passionate about supporting children with social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs.

The Role

As a SEMH Teaching Assistant, you will support pupils who need additional help to manage emotions, behaviour, and access learning. Working closely with class teachers and SEN staff, you will help create a calm, structured, and nurturing environment where pupils can thrive both emotionally and academically.

You will gain valuable experience supporting children during moments of dysregulation, learning how to respond calmly, positively, and proactively to behaviour that communicates unmet needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small‑group support for pupils with SEMH needs
• Support pupils during moments of emotional or behavioural challenge
• Promote emotional regulation, resilience, and social skills
• Build strong, trusting relationships with pupils
• Support pupils in developing independence and positive coping strategies
• Work collaboratively with teachers, SENCOs, and external professionals
• Contribute to a safe, inclusive, and supportive school environment

Essential Requirements

• A calm, patient, and resilient approach
• A genuine interest in child development and mental health
• Confidence engaging with children who may display challenging behaviour
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Full‑time availability and commitment to a long‑term placement

Desirable (but Not Essential)

• Previous experience working with children or young people (e.g. tutoring, youth work, mentoring, volunteering)
• Knowledge of SEMH needs or behaviour support strategies
• Team Teach training, or willingness to undertake training

What Teaching Personnel Can Offer

• A long‑term placement in a supportive primary school
• Ongoing guidance from an experienced education recruitment team
• Weekly pay
• Access to training and professional development, including behaviour management
• Excellent experience for graduates considering careers in teaching, educational psychology, or mental health
• The opportunity to make a meaningful, lasting impact on pupils’ 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.
For details of our privacy policy, please visit the Teaching Personnel website.