SEN/SEMH Teaching Assistant

SEN & SEMH Teaching Assistant – Oldham | Full-Time / Part-Time

Are you passionate about supporting young people with additional needs and helping them overcome barriers to learning? We are currently recruiting for a dedicated and resilient SEN & SEMH Teaching Assistant to join a supportive and inclusive school in the Oldham area.

This is a highly rewarding opportunity to work with pupils who require additional support with both Special Educational Needs (SEN) and Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. The school is committed to providing a structured, nurturing environment where every student is supported to achieve their full potential—academically, socially, and emotionally.

You will be part of a strong and collaborative staff team, working alongside experienced teachers, SENCOs, behaviour mentors, and pastoral staff. The leadership team is supportive and values the role of support staff in creating a positive and consistent learning environment.

The school offers excellent facilities to support a wide range of needs, including dedicated intervention rooms, sensory spaces, quiet breakout areas, and well-equipped classrooms designed to promote engagement and routine. Outdoor spaces are also used to support emotional regulation and structured activities.

Located in Oldham, the school is easily accessible via public transport and also offers on-site parking, making it convenient for candidates travelling from across Greater Manchester.

The Role
As an SEN & SEMH Teaching Assistant, you will support pupils both in and out of the classroom, working on a 1:1 and small group basis. You will help students access learning, manage behaviour, and develop key life and social skills. Building strong, trusting relationships and acting as a positive role model will be central to your role.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support pupils with SEN and SEMH needs on a 1:1 and small group basis
• Assist with adapting lessons to meet individual learning needs
• Manage and de-escalate challenging behaviour in a calm and professional manner
• Support emotional regulation and promote positive behaviour strategies
• Work closely with teaching staff and the SENCO to implement support plans
• Create a safe, structured, and inclusive learning environment

Requirements:

• Experience working with children or young people with SEN/SEMH needs, or strong transferable experience (e.g. care, youth work, coaching, mentoring)
• Calm, patient, and resilient approach to behaviour management
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Ability to work proactively and use initiative
• A genuine passion for supporting vulnerable learners
• Willingness to undertake training and professional development

What the School Offers:

• A supportive and welcoming team environment
• Ongoing training and development opportunities
• Clear behaviour policies and strong leadership support
• Well-resourced classrooms and specialist SEN facilities
• Opportunity to gain valuable, hands-on experience in education

Flexible working options are available, with both full-time and part-time roles considered.

Compliance Requirements:

• Enhanced DBS on the update service (or willingness to obtain one)
• Overseas police check may be required if applicable
• Right to work in the UK is essential

This is more than just a job—it’s an opportunity to make a real and lasting difference in the lives of young people.

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.