SEMH Teaching Assistant - Secondary

SEMH Teaching Assistant – Secondary School

Location: Oldham, Manchester
Start Date: ASAP
Contract: Full-time, Long-term (Temp to Perm opportunities available)

Teaching Personnel are working in partnership with a supportive secondary school to recruit a dedicated SEMH Teaching Assistant to support pupils aged 11–16 with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.

This role is well suited to individuals who are patient, resilient and passionate about supporting young people who may experience emotional regulation difficulties, anxiety, trauma-related behaviours and challenges engaging with mainstream education. You will work closely with teachers, pastoral teams and SEN staff to help pupils access learning in a safe and structured environment.

The Role:

• Provide 1:1 and small group support to pupils with SEMH needs
• Support pupils’ emotional regulation, behaviour and engagement in lessons
• Implement behaviour support plans and strategies under teacher guidance
• Help create a calm, safe and inclusive learning environment
• Support pupils during lessons, transitions and unstructured times
• Assist with classroom preparation and organisation
• Work collaboratively with teachers, SENCOs and pastoral staff
• Encourage positive behaviour, resilience and independence

The Ideal Candidate Will:

• Have experience working with young people with SEMH needs (school, youth work or similar)
• Be calm, patient and consistent when managing challenging behaviour
• Have a genuine interest in supporting pupils’ wellbeing and inclusion
• Be a strong communicator and reliable team member
• Be open to training and developing SEMH skills

Previous experience in a secondary school, alternative provision or SEN setting is desirable but not essential. Transferable experience will be considered.

Why Work with Teaching Personnel?

• Competitive weekly pay
• Dedicated SEN and secondary consultant support
• Access to free CPD and SEMH-focused training
• Long-term placements with potential for permanent roles
• Supportive schools with strong pastoral teams

Safeguarding & Compliance:

• Enhanced DBS on the update service (or willingness to apply)
• Right to work in the UK
• Overseas criminal checks may be required where applicable

If you are passionate about supporting young people with SEMH needs and are looking for a rewarding role in a secondary school setting, we would love to hear from you.

If you are interested in this role and meet the requirements above, please apply with an up-to-date CV that highlights relevant experience and qualifications.

When applying through Teaching Personnel, an enhanced DBS on the update service is a required document. If you do not have one already, you will be asked to apply for one through Teaching Personnel before you are able to start in a position.

Any applicants that have been out of the UK for more than 3 months over the past 5 years will be asked to provide an overseas criminal clearance check. If you do not already have one of these, please apply for this before applying to this role

All applicants must have a permanent residence and right to work in the UK. If you are currently based in another country, please do not apply for these roles as we will not be able to process your application.

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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