Teaching Assistant – Secondary SEMH

Location: Basingstoke
Start Date: September
Hours: Full-Time, Monday to Friday, Term Time Only
Pay: Equivalent to £14.25 per hour
Age Group: 11–16

We are recruiting for a committed, resilient and enthusiastic Teaching Assistant to join a specialist secondary provision supporting pupils aged 11–16 with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.

This is a rewarding opportunity for someone who is passionate about helping young people overcome barriers to learning, develop confidence and make positive progress both academically and personally.

The school provides a structured, supportive environment for pupils who may require additional support with their emotional wellbeing, behaviour, relationships and engagement in education. Pupils may attend on a short-term or longer-term basis, depending on their individual needs and level of support required.

You will work as part of a dedicated team, supporting pupils both inside and outside the classroom and helping to create a safe, consistent and positive environment where they can succeed.

About the Role

This is a varied, hands-on role where you will work closely with class teachers and the wider school team to support teaching, learning, behaviour and pupil wellbeing.

You will play an important role in helping pupils access their education, particularly where emotional or behavioural difficulties may create barriers to learning.

Your day-to-day responsibilities will include:

• Supporting teachers to deliver structured, engaging and accessible lessons

• Providing 1:1 and small-group support to reinforce learning and encourage participation

• Helping pupils stay focused and engaged with classroom activities

• Assisting with lesson preparation, classroom activities and learning resources

• Adapting tasks and resources where appropriate to meet individual needs

• Supporting pupils with their behaviour using agreed school strategies and approaches

• Helping pupils recognise and regulate their emotions, particularly during challenging situations

• Providing reassurance and encouragement when pupils are anxious, frustrated or disengaged

• Promoting positive behaviour, appropriate boundaries and respectful interactions

• Building positive, trusting and consistent relationships with pupils

• Supporting pupils during transitions and less structured parts of the school day

• Encouraging pupils to develop greater confidence, independence and responsibility

• Working closely with teachers and other members of the school team to monitor and support pupil progress

You will not be expected to lead whole classes independently, although confidence in supporting small-group activities and targeted interventions would be beneficial.

About the Pupils

The school supports young people aged 11–16 with a range of Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. Pupils may attend for a short-term placement or remain at the school for a longer period, depending on their individual circumstances and support requirements.

Pupils may experience challenges such as:

• Difficulty managing emotions including anger, anxiety or frustration

• Low confidence or self-esteem

• Difficulties with behaviour and emotional regulation

• Challenges engaging with learning or remaining focused

• Difficulties managing relationships with peers and adults

• Difficulty responding to boundaries or changes in routine

• Previous negative experiences within education

• Barriers to developing positive relationships and trusting adults

The successful candidate will understand that behaviour is often a form of communication and will be able to respond with patience, consistency and empathy, while maintaining clear and appropriate boundaries.

A calm approach is particularly important when supporting pupils during challenging moments. You will need to remain professional and composed, follow agreed strategies and work consistently with the wider team.

Key Responsibilities

As a Teaching Assistant, you will contribute to creating a safe, structured and supportive learning environment.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting teaching and learning across the school

• Providing targeted 1:1 and small-group support

• Encouraging pupils to participate positively in lessons

• Promoting positive behaviour and emotional regulation

• Supporting pupils through challenging situations

• Reinforcing clear and consistent expectations

• Helping pupils develop confidence, independence and social skills

• Supporting transitions and unstructured periods

• Building positive professional relationships with pupils

• Communicating effectively with teaching and support staff

• Following individual support plans and agreed behaviour strategies

• Contributing to a positive and inclusive school culture

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for someone who genuinely wants to make a difference to young people's lives and who understands the importance of consistency, patience and positive relationships.

Previous experience within an SEMH or specialist education setting would be advantageous, but it is not essential. We would also welcome applications from candidates with transferable experience working with young people in other environments.

Relevant backgrounds may include:

• Schools or education settings

• Residential or care work

• Youth work

• Mentoring

• Sports coaching

• Behaviour support

• Community work

• Healthcare or support roles

• Other roles involving responsibility for supporting young people

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• A patient, calm and resilient approach

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

• The ability to build positive relationships with young people

• Confidence in maintaining clear and consistent boundaries

• The ability to remain composed during challenging situations

• Flexibility and adaptability

• A genuine interest in SEMH and additional needs

• A willingness to learn and develop professionally

• A commitment to safeguarding and pupil wellbeing

Safeguarding Requirements

Safeguarding is a key priority within the school.

All applicants must either hold a Child Workforce DBS registered on the Update Service or be willing to apply for an enhanced DBS check before commencing the role. All relevant safeguarding and pre-employment checks will be completed in line with safer recruitment procedures.

Why Join This Role?

This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to develop their experience within specialist SEMH education while making a genuine difference to young people's lives.

You will have the opportunity to:

• Make a positive and lasting difference to young people

• Support pupils to overcome barriers to education

• Develop valuable experience in a specialist SEMH setting

• Build your skills in behaviour support and emotional regulation

• Gain experience working with pupils with complex needs

• Work alongside experienced and supportive teaching professionals

• Develop your understanding of inclusive and individualised education

• Progress your career within education and specialist support

If you are patient, resilient, compassionate and passionate about helping young people succeed, we would love to hear from you.

Apply now with your up-to-date CV to be considered for this rewarding opportunity.

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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