Empowering SEMH Teaching Assistant – Secondary Education Support

Cover People; Tameside; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 22,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Holiday pay

Consultant support from Cover People

Work across secondary education in T’.

Job summary

Cover People are recruiting a dedicated SEMH Teaching Assistant to work with secondary-aged pupils in Tameside. This role supports learners with SEMH needs, helping them engage with lessons and develop emotional regulation.

The successful candidate will stay calm under pressure, employ positive behaviour strategies, and work closely with teaching and pastoral teams to implement personalised support plans.

Qualifications

• Experience working with young people with SEMH or challenging behaviour.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Confidence using positive behaviour-management and de-escalation strategies.
• Patient, resilient and non-judgemental approach.
• Ability to respond appropriately to challenging situations.
• Ability to encourage positive engagement with learning.
• Ability to work collaboratively with teaching and pastoral teams.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-to-one and small-group support to pupils with SEMH needs.
• Build positive relationships and establish trust with pupils.
• Help pupils develop strategies to manage emotions and behaviour.
• Use de-escalation techniques in challenging situations.
• Maintain clear boundaries and reinforce school expectations.
• Encourage attendance and active participation in lessons.
• Support pupils with motivation, social interaction, or emotional regulation.
• Help pupils build confidence, resilience and independence.
• Collaborate with teachers to implement support plans and behaviour strategies.
• Share observations about pupils’ progress with the wider team.

Skills

Strong communication

Relationship-building

Behaviour management

De-escalation strategies

Empathy with boundaries

Job description

Cover People are recruiting a dedicated SEMH Teaching Assistant to work with secondary-aged pupils in Tameside. This role supports learners with SEMH needs, helping them engage with lessons and develop emotional regulation.

The successful candidate will stay calm under pressure, employ positive behaviour strategies, and work closely with teaching and pastoral teams to implement personalised support plans.