Teaching Assistant

This school caters for vulnerable children and young people in the Mendip Area of Somerset. It is an alternative to mainstream school and works alongside other partner schools to build Learning Plans for children and young people who may be struggling to cope in their current placement.

Some of the young people have early experiences that lead them to behave in particular ways to protect themselves from harm. Others have learned to behave in a manner that creates a sense of self-worth. Others are still emotionally at a much younger age than they actually are. They see behaviour as mostly a form of communication as well as learned responses. They work hard to understand the causes of social emotional and mental health issues and develop support for the child or young person holistically through a plan involving expertise from across the school. 

This is a full time position, starting ASAP until the end of the academic year.

Key attributes for this role are:

• Experience of supporting children or adults with SEN needs and/or disabilities SEND especially in SEMH.
• Comfortable working with students of all ages
• High expectations of children's progress, attainment, and behaviour.
• The ability to use your own initiative, focusing on solving problems.
• Patience, empathy and good communication skills.
• Organisation and resourcefulness, the ability to work under pressure with good time management skills and a sense of humour.
• An understanding of confidentiality and safeguarding.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to build positive relationships.
• Has emotional resilience in working with challenging behaviours and attitudes.

We would welcome applications from:

• Those who have experience of working with children or adults with SEMH
• Youth Workers
• Psychology Graduates
• Previous army and police officers
• Mental Health support workers

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.