Teaching Assistant

Teaching Assistant – Specialist Secondary SEMH Provision

We are seeking to appoint a committed, resilient, and enthusiastic Teaching Assistant to join a specialist secondary provision from September. This full-time, term-time-only position (Monday to Friday) involves supporting pupils aged 11–16 with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.

The role offers a pay rate equivalent to £14.25 per hour, with opportunities for increased responsibility and corresponding salary progression. There is also the potential for a permanent appointment for the right candidate following a successful initial placement.

About the Role

This is a varied and rewarding position where you will play a key role in supporting teaching and learning across the school. Working closely with class teachers and the wider school team, you will help pupils engage in learning, develop confidence, regulate their emotions, and achieve positive outcomes.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting teachers in delivering structured and engaging lessons.

• Providing one-to-one and small group support to reinforce learning.

• Assisting with classroom activities and adapting learning resources where required.

• Supporting behaviour management using agreed strategies and individual support plans.

• Helping pupils regulate their emotions and remain engaged during challenging situations.

• Building positive, trusting relationships with pupils to encourage their personal and academic development.

• Supporting pupils during less structured parts of the school day, including transitions and breaktimes.

While you will not be expected to lead whole classes independently, confidence in supporting small group activities and promoting positive learning environments is highly desirable.

About the Pupils

The school provides specialist support for pupils with a range of SEMH needs. Students may attend on either short-term intervention placements or longer-term placements, depending on their individual circumstances and support requirements.

Many pupils may experience:

• Difficulties managing emotions, including anger, anxiety, or frustration.

• Low confidence and self-esteem.

• Challenges with behaviour, engagement, and emotional regulation.

• Difficulties developing and maintaining positive relationships.

Success in this role requires a calm, consistent, and empathetic approach, alongside the ability to establish clear boundaries while building positive, trusting relationships.

Key Responsibilities

• Support teaching and learning across the classroom.

• Deliver effective one-to-one and small group interventions.

• Promote positive behaviour and emotional regulation.

• Contribute to maintaining a safe, structured, and supportive learning environment.

• Work collaboratively with teachers, support staff, and the wider school team to meet pupils' individual needs.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have

• Experience working with young people in a school, care, youth work, or similar setting.

• An interest in, or experience supporting, pupils with SEMH or additional needs.

• Strong communication skills and confidence supporting behaviour management.

• A patient, resilient, and adaptable approach.

• A genuine passion for making a positive difference to the lives of young people.

Safeguarding

All applicants must hold a Child Workforce DBS registered with the Update Service or be willing to obtain one prior to commencing employment.

Why Join This Role?

• Make a meaningful difference to the lives of young people.

• Gain valuable experience within a specialist SEMH setting.

• Join a supportive, collaborative, and dedicated staff team.

• Access opportunities for professional development, increased responsibility, and enhanced earning potential.

• Benefit from the possibility of securing a permanent position following a successful initial placement.

If you are looking for a rewarding role where you can have a lasting impact on young people's lives while developing your own career, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Apply now with your CV to be considered.

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.
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