SEMH / SEND Teaching Assistant
Location: Blandford Forum, Dorset
Salary: £13.75 per hour
Join a School That Makes a Difference
Are you passionate about supporting young people with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs or Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)? Do you thrive in environments where every day brings new challenges and opportunities to make a real impact?
A dynamic and nurturing Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) secondary school in Blandford Forum is seeking a committed and compassionate SEMH/SEND Teaching Assistant to join their dedicated team. This is more than just a job—it’s a chance to help shape the future of students aged 11–16 who require tailored support to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
About the Role
As a Teaching Assistant, you will play a vital role in supporting classroom teachers and specialist staff in creating a safe, inclusive, and stimulating learning environment. You’ll work closely with pupils who may face challenges such as:
- Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) difficulties
- Communication and interaction barriers
- Cognitive and learning needs
- Sensory and/or physical impairments
- General behavioural challenges
Your responsibilities will include:
- Providing 1:1 and small group support
- Assisting with lesson delivery and classroom management
- Implementing positive behaviour strategies
- Supporting pupils in regulating emotions and building resilience
- Collaborating with teachers, therapists, and external agencies
This school is committed to helping every student grow in confidence, develop essential life skills, and achieve their full potential. You’ll be part of a team that values creativity, empathy, and perseverance.
Ideal Candidate Profile
We are looking for individuals who are:
- Experienced in working with children or young people in educational or care settings
- Knowledgeable about SEMH and SEND support strategies
- Calm, patient, and confident in managing challenging behaviour
- Skilled in de-escalation and emotional regulation techniques
- Passionate about inclusive education and mental health awareness
Desirable qualifications and experience:
- Psychology degree or relevant mental health training
- Youth work or mentoring background
- Experience in PRU or alternative provision settings
- Understanding of trauma-informed practices
- Full UK driving licence (essential if commuting from outside Blandford Forum)
Working Hours & Benefits
- Full-Time, part-time and flexible, Term-Time Only
- Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 08:45 – 15:45
- Tuesday: 08:45 – 16:15
- Hourly Rate: £13.75 + 12.07% holiday pay
- Access to 10 free SEN training courses via Teaching Personnel
- Additional CPD opportunities at discounted rates
- Supportive team environment and ongoing career development
About Teaching Personnel
Teaching Personnel is the UK’s leading education recruitment agency, specialising in placing talented educators in roles that match their skills and aspirations. We work with a wide range of SEN(D) schools, PRUs, and mainstream settings to ensure every child receives the support they deserve.
Ready to Apply?
If you’re ready to make a difference and support young people in overcoming barriers to learning, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today and take the next step in your career as a SEMH/SEND Teaching Assistant.
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.
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