Teaching Assistant

SEMH Teaching Assistants – Andover, Hampshire

Primary and secondary SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health) provisions in Andover and the surrounding areas are seeking experienced Teaching Assistants, particularly those with a background in SEMH, behaviour support, or trauma-informed practice. These schools support children and young people with complex emotional needs, challenging behaviours, and barriers to learning that require patience, consistency, and highly attuned support.

About the Pupils and Their Needs
You will be working with pupils who may experience:

• Difficulty with emotional regulation, such as anxiety, anger, or shutdowns

• Trauma-related behaviours and attachment needs

• Low self-esteem, school avoidance, or disengagement from learning

• Social communication challenges or difficulties forming positive relationships

• Challenging or oppositional behaviours stemming from unmet emotional needs

• Complex backgrounds, including ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences)

These pupils require a calm and predictable presence who can offer reassurance, structure, and positive behaviour modelling. You will play a vital role in helping them build confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging within the school environment.

Role Responsibilities
As an SEMH Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with teachers, pastoral leads, behaviour mentors, and external professionals to:

• Provide 1:1 and small-group emotional and behavioural support

• Build trusting, secure relationships that encourage consistent engagement

• Assist with personalised learning programmes tailored to individual needs

• Support pupils during moments of dysregulation, using de-escalation and restorative approaches

• Encourage positive decision-making and the development of coping strategies

• Help create safe, structured classroom environments where pupils feel understood and supported

• Promote social skills, communication, and emotional literacy

• Contribute to behaviour plans, EHCP targets, and ongoing pastoral assessments

Key Details

• Full-time and part-time positions available

• Term-time only

• Free THRIVE Approach training provided (ideal for those working with emotional and relational needs)

• Pay dependent on experience and the specific setting

• Location: Andover and surrounding areas

Who Should Apply
This role is particularly well suited to:

• Experienced Teaching Assistants, especially those who have worked in SEMH, PRU, EBD, or nurture settings

• Individuals with behaviour support or youth work backgrounds

• Those confident managing dysregulation and challenging behaviour in a compassionate, therapeutic manner

• Applicants who are calm, resilient, and able to remain consistent under pressure

• People passionate about helping young people rebuild trust in education and reach their potential

If you have experience supporting pupils with SEMH needs—or you have strong transferable skills and a genuine commitment to trauma-informed, relationship-based practice—you are strongly encouraged to apply.

Requirements

• Enhanced Child Workforce DBS on the Update Service (or willingness to obtain)

• Right to work in the UK

To apply, please submit your CV. Suitable candidates will be contacted to discuss the available opportunities across primary and secondary SEMH settings in the Andover area.

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.