Sen Teaching Assistant

SEN Support Mentor – SEMH Schools (Bristol)

We are seeking a compassionate, resilient, and proactive SEN Support Mentor to work within specialist SEN/SEMH schools across Bristol. This role involves supporting children and young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, autism, ADHD, trauma-related behaviours, and additional learning difficulties.

As an SEN Support Mentor, you will play a vital role in helping pupils build confidence, regulate emotions, engage positively with learning, and develop social and communication skills within a safe and structured environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small group support for pupils with SEN and SEMH needs.
• Build positive, trusting relationships with students to encourage emotional wellbeing and engagement.
• Support pupils in managing challenging behaviour using de-escalation and trauma-informed approaches.
• Assist teachers in delivering personalised learning and behaviour support strategies.
• Encourage the development of social skills, independence, and emotional regulation.
• Help create a calm, inclusive, and supportive learning environment.
• Monitor pupil progress and provide feedback to teaching staff and pastoral teams.
• Support students during lessons, breaktimes, and therapeutic activities.

Requirements

• Experience working with children or young people with SEN, SEMH, autism, ADHD, or behavioural needs is desirable.
• A patient, empathetic, and adaptable approach.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure and respond positively to challenging situations.
• Backgrounds in youth work, care, mentoring, coaching, psychology, or support work are highly valued.
• A genuine passion for supporting vulnerable young people.

What We Offer

• Opportunities to work in rewarding SEN and SEMH school settings across Bristol.
• Ongoing training and professional development.
• Supportive school environments and experienced staff teams.
• Valuable experience for candidates pursuing careers in education, psychology, counselling, or social care.

This is a highly rewarding opportunity for individuals who are passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of young people with additional needs.