SEMH Teaching Assistant

SEMH Teaching Assistant – Sunderland Secondary Schools
Competitive Daily Rates, Long-Term, ASAP Start

Teaching Personnel is recruiting a Teaching Assistant with SEMH experience for long-term positions across secondary schools in Sunderland, with a start date as soon as possible. These are not general classroom support roles — the schools are looking for someone who understands how social, emotional, and mental health needs present in young people, and who has the skills and experience to respond effectively.

You'll be working within established pastoral and inclusion teams, supporting students who may have had difficult experiences of education and who need a consistent, trusted adult in their corner. The relationships you build in this role are often the thing that makes the biggest difference.

What the role involves:

• Providing targeted support to students with identified SEMH needs across KS3 and KS4
• Delivering structured 1:1 and small group sessions
• De-escalating difficult situations calmly and with confidence
• Working within individual support plans and contributing to their review
• Liaising with teachers, the SENCO, and pastoral staff
• Maintaining accurate records and upholding safeguarding responsibilities at all times

What we're looking for:

• Demonstrable experience supporting young people with SEMH needs
• A calm, patient, and emotionally intelligent approach
• Confidence with behaviour management and de-escalation techniques
• Understanding of trauma-informed practice in a school setting
• Relevant qualifications in SEMH, mental health, or education are desirable
• Enhanced DBS on the Update Service

What Teaching Personnel offers:

• Competitive daily rates reflecting your experience
• Weekly pay via PAYE
• Dedicated consultant support
• Free CPD and SEMH-focused training
• Opportunities for permanent employment

Contract: Long-term, Start: ASAP, Location: Sunderland secondary schools

Send your CV or call 0191 223 5071.

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.