Teaching Assistant (SEMH)

Role: Teaching Assistant (SEMH Support)
Location: Basingstoke
Setting: Short Stay SEMH Provision (Ages 11–16)
Pay: £14.25 per hour

About the Setting

This specialist short-stay provision supports students aged 11–16 with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.

The setting works with young people who are currently unable to access mainstream education due to their SEMH needs. Placements for the students are typically short-term and focused on stabilisation, re-engagement with learning, and preparing students for a successful transition back into education.

Students may present with dysregulated behaviour, anxiety, or other barriers to learning linked to their emotional wellbeing. The provision offers a structured, nurturing environment with small class sizes and a strong emphasis on consistency, routine, and positive relationships.

The Role

As a Teaching Assistant, you will play a key role in supporting students both inside and outside the classroom. This is not a traditional TA role-relationship building, emotional support, and behaviour management are central to the position.

You will work closely with teaching and pastoral staff to help students regulate, engage with learning, and feel safe within the setting.

What a Typical Day Might Look Like

No two days are the same, but your role may include:

• Welcoming students at the start of the day and helping them settle into routine
• Supporting students 1:1 or in small groups during lessons to maintain engagement
• Identifying early signs of dysregulation and using de-escalation strategies
• Taking movement or regulation breaks to support emotional needs
• Supporting students outside the classroom when they need time to reset
• Reinforcing boundaries and promoting positive behaviour in a calm, consistent manner
• Supporting transitions between lessons and activities
• Working collaboratively with staff to adapt strategies for individual students
• Providing ongoing encouragement, structure, and reassurance throughout the day

This role requires someone who can think on their feet, and build strong, trusting relationships with young people.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide tailored support to students with SEMH needs
• Support emotional regulation, behaviour, and engagement with learning
• Follow and implement behaviour support strategies consistently
• Build positive, professional relationships with students
• Help maintain a calm, safe, and structured environment

The Ideal Candidate

• Experience working with children or young people (education, youth work, care, coaching, etc.)
• Confident in behaviour management and able to remain calm in challenging situations
• Patient, resilient, and consistent in approach
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Able to set clear boundaries while remaining empathetic
• SEMH experience is beneficial but not essential

Who Would This Suit?

This role is ideal for individuals who:
• Are considering a career in teaching, psychology, or youth work
• Have experience in care, support work, or coaching
• Are passionate about supporting young people with additional needs
• Thrive in a dynamic environment where every day is different

Requirements

• A Child Workforce DBS on the Update Service, or willingness to obtain one
• Right to work in the UK
• Availability during school hours

Apply

If you are passionate about making a difference and have the confidence to support young people with SEMH needs, we would love to hear from you.

Apply with your up-to-date 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.
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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