Teaching Assistant SEMH

Teaching Assistant – SEMH School (Portsmouth area)
Location: Portsmouth area
Pay Rate: £13.75 per hour
Contract Type: Term Time Only
Employment Type: Full-Time, Temporary to Permanent

Teaching Personnel are currently recruiting for a committed and resilient Teaching Assistant to join a specialist SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health) school in Portsmouth. This is a rewarding opportunity for individuals looking to make a meaningful impact on the education and wellbeing of children and young people with additional needs.

About the Role:

This position involves supporting students with SEMH needs, both inside and outside the classroom. The ideal candidate will assist in promoting positive behaviour, building strong relationships, and encouraging academic and personal development. The successful applicant will work closely with class teachers and other professionals to provide tailored support on a 1:1 or small group basis.

Key Responsibilities:

• Supporting pupils with a range of social, emotional and mental health needs

• Assisting in the delivery of personalised learning programmes

• Helping to manage and de-escalate challenging behaviour using positive behaviour strategies

• Promoting inclusion and encouraging pupils’ engagement in learning activities

• Collaborating with teaching staff, SENCOs, and external professionals

Candidate Requirements:

• Previous experience working with children or young people with SEMH, SEN, or in a pastoral setting is advantageous

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills

• Ability to remain calm, patient and supportive under pressure

• A genuine interest in supporting vulnerable learners

• Available full-time, Monday to Friday, during term time

• A DBS on the Update Service (or willingness to apply for one)

Benefits of Working with Teaching Personnel:

• Competitive hourly rate of £13.75

• Access to CPD courses and career development opportunities

• Dedicated consultant support throughout your placement

• Opportunity to secure a long-term or permanent role

• Work in a highly rewarding and supportive educational environment

About SEMH Schools:

SEMH schools provide specialist education for pupils who struggle with social, emotional, and mental health difficulties. These settings offer smaller class sizes, structured routines, and tailored support to help students overcome barriers to learning and achieve their potential.

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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