SEN Teaching Assistant

Polaris Community; Foxton; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialist SEN school located in Foxton is seeking a dedicated professional to support young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. Responsibilities include providing mentoring, assisting in classroom activities, and maintaining positive relationships to foster learning. Applicants should have a strong educational background, relevant experience, and a commitment to professional growth. This role offers the chance to make a meaningful impact on vulnerable young people's lives within a supportive environment that prioritises emotional wellbeing.

Benefits

Ongoing professional development

Supportive workplace

Meaningful impact on young lives

Qualifications

• Experience supporting pupils with SEMH needs within an educational setting.
• Previous experience in a similar role, such as a Teaching Assistant.
• Commitment to professional development and a willingness to learn.

Responsibilities

• Provide consistent mentoring and support to a small group of pupils.
• Monitor and report on pupil progress, sharing updates with the school team.
• Supervise pupils during breaktimes and school trips.

Skills

Supporting young people with SEMH needs

Building strong relationships

Behaviour management strategies

Education

A strong general education, ideally to A-Level

GCSE Grade C (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics

Job description

This is a rewarding opportunity for a dedicated professional who is passionate about supporting young people with SEMH needs. Key responsibilities include:

• Providing consistent mentoring and support to an individual pupil or a small group of up to six pupils
• Supporting the Class Teacher during lessons and contributing to a positive learning environment
• Monitoring and reporting on pupil progress, sharing updates and concerns with the wider school team
• Supervising pupils during breaktimes, extracurricular activities, and school trips
• Assisting with lesson planning, classroom preparation, and setting or marking work where appropriate
• Building strong, positive relationships that encourage engagement, confidence, and learning progress

We are keen to hear from candidates who bring enthusiasm, resilience, and a commitment to learning. The ideal candidate will have:

• A strong general education, ideally to A-Level standard, with GCSE Grade C (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics, alongside sound IT skills
• Previous experience in a similar role, such as a Teaching Assistant
• Experience supporting pupils with SEMH needs within an educational setting
• Confidence to take on additional responsibilities within the school (e.g. Forest School, Food Hygiene, Lunchtime provision, School Yoga, etc.)
• A good understanding of behaviour management strategies
• A commitment to professional development and a willingness to learn

All applicants must be willing to undertake an Enhanced DBS check prior to starting employment.

Selwyn Hall School is a newly established specialist SEN school located in Foxton, just south-west of Cambridge. We provide tailored education for pupils aged 7-18 with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. Many of our learners also present with additional needs such as ASD, ADHD, FASD, anxiety, and communication, cognition, or learning differences. Our approach centres on small, bespoke class groupings of just 4-6 pupils, ensuring each young person receives the personalised support they need to thrive. Set within expansive private grounds, the school offers a therapeutic learning environment that prioritises wellbeing. Outdoor facilities include a forest school area, multi-use sports pitch, sensory trail, conservation space, and play equipment. Indoors, our fully refurbished building provides specialist classrooms and activity spaces for science, computing, music, drama, and art/DT.

Benefits

• A supportive workplace that prioritises emotional health and wellbeing – for staff as well as pupils
• Ongoing professional development and opportunities to grow your skills and experience
• The chance to make a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives and learning of vulnerable young people
• A welcoming, inclusive team united by a shared commitment to improving pupil outcomes

The cost of the Enhanced DBS check will be covered by Selwyn Hall School.