Emotional Support Teaching Assistant – Newhaven

Engage Education; Wealden; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

CPD training

Dedicated Engage consultant

Paid DBS checks

Job summary

Engage Education is recruiting an Emotional Support Teaching Assistant for a specialist school in Newhaven. You will provide 1:1 and small group support to pupils with SEMH needs, helping them engage in lessons and develop coping strategies.

The role requires a calm, patient, and resilient approach, with collaboration across teaching staff, SEN teams and parents to create a positive learning environment.

Qualifications

• Have experience working with children or young people with SEMH or complex needs.
• Are confident managing behaviour in a consistent and positive way.
• Can build strong, professional relationships with pupils.
• Are patient, resilient and proactive.
• Have a genuine passion for supporting young people.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small group support for pupils with SEMH needs.
• Support students in lessons to improve engagement and focus.
• Apply effective behaviour management strategies.
• Help students regulate emotions and develop coping strategies.
• Work collaboratively with teaching staff, SEN teams and parents.
• Contribute to a calm, structured, and supportive learning environment.

Skills

1:1 support

Group support

Behaviour management

Emotion regulation

Team collaboration

Job description

Emotional Support Teaching Assistant Required for School in Newhaven

Make a real difference supporting young people with social, emotional, and mental health needs in a specialist school setting.

Located in Newhaven, this specialist school supports pupils with SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health) needs. The school provides a structured, nurturing environment with small class sizes and a strong focus on behaviour, wellbeing, and personalised support.

Pupils present with a range of needs including anxiety, behavioural challenges, and trauma-related difficulties. Staff work closely with students to build confidence, resilience, and re-engagement with learning.

About the role:

As an Emotional Support Assistant, you will:

• Provide 1:1 and small group support for pupils with SEMH needs

• Support students in lessons to improve engagement and focus

• Apply effective behaviour management strategies

• Help students regulate emotions and develop coping strategies

• Work collaboratively with teaching staff, SEN teams, and parents

• Contribute to a calm, structured, and supportive learning environment

This role involves supporting pupils who may display challenging behaviour, so a calm, patient, and resilient approach is essential.

About you:

We are looking for candidates who:

• Have experience working with children or young people with SEMH or complex needs

• Are confident managing behaviour in a consistent and positive way

• Can build strong, professional relationships with pupils

• Are patient, resilient, and proactive

• Have a genuine passion for supporting young people

We also welcome applications from:
Youth Workers | Behaviour Mentors | SEN Teaching Assistants | Support Workers

Why choose Engage Education?

• We pay all our staff in line with the Agency Worker Regulations, meaning your pay will be equal to that of a permanent employee

• You will benefit from your own dedicated Engage consultant who will provide ongoing support and guidance

• You will be invited to our wide range of continued professional development (CPD) training sessions, provided by our in-house team of experienced senior leaders. These are completely free to attend!

• Do you have friends or colleagues looking for work? Invite friends to join us & earn a £50 Amazon voucher when they work 5 days! You can refer friends from the UK or from overseas and you can refer as many people as you like!

All candidates will be required to undertake a valid enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance will be provided.