SEN Teaching Assistant

Teaching Assistant – SEN/SEMH Support
Location: Southampton, Hampshire
Salary: £13.75 per hour
Contract: Term time only
Hours: Full time, part time
Start date: As soon as possible

We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated Teaching Assistant to join a supportive school in the Southampton area. This role is perfect for someone passionate about supporting children and young people with special educational needs (SEN) or social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs, helping them to engage with learning and develop essential skills.

You will be working closely with pupils aged 5–16, providing one-to-one and small group support to help them access the curriculum, manage their behaviour, and build confidence in a nurturing and inclusive environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Supporting pupils’ academic and emotional development

• Assisting teachers with classroom management and behaviour support

• Creating a safe, structured, and inclusive learning space

• Building positive and trusting relationships with pupils

• Collaborating with school staff and external professionals

About the Setting:
The school provides tailored support for pupils with a range of additional needs, including SEMH and SEN. Classes are small to enable focused support, and staff use trauma-informed and inclusive approaches to help pupils thrive both academically and personally.

What We’re Looking For:

• Experience working with children or young people with SEN or SEMH needs 

• Calm, patient, and resilient attitude

• Strong interpersonal and de-escalation skills

• Ability to support pupils with emotional regulation and positive behaviour

• A genuine desire to make a positive difference in children’s lives

• Holds a Child workforce only DBS or willing to apply for one

Role Details:

• Rate of pay: £13.75 per hour

• Term time only (39 weeks per year)

• Access to ongoing training and professional development

• Your own consultant 

If you’re passionate about supporting children with SEN or SEMH needs and want to work in a supportive environment, we’d love to hear from you.

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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