In reach - Lead

Maidenhall Primary School; Luton; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Maidenhall Primary School in the United Kingdom is seeking a Specialist Teaching Assistant (SEMH) to work on the L7 pay scale. This full-time role runs Monday to Friday 8:20am to 4:30pm during term time, focusing on pupils with SEMH needs and reintegration into mainstream settings.

You will plan and deliver bespoke education packages, lead in-reach staff, and maintain strong links with pupil home schools. DBS checks required.

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 4 for Higher Level Teaching Assistants or equivalent qualification or equivalent experience.
• Ability to build good working relationships and lead a team.
• Self-motivated, flexible and enthusiastic.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver bespoke education packages for individual pupils and small groups.
• Oversee the daily line management of in-reach support staff.
• Support SEMH needs, maintain links with home schools, and facilitate reintegration into mainstream or specialist provision.
• Help foster Therapeutic Thinking within schools to meet pupil needs.

Education

NVQ Level 4 or equivalent

Leadership

Team leadership

Numeracy

Literacy

Job description

Specialist Teaching Assistant (SEMH) - Maidenhall Primary School

Pay: L7

Hours: Full time - Monday - Friday 8.20am - 4.30pm (term time)

Are you passionate about supporting children with SEMH needs?

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a L7 Specialist Teaching Assistant (SEMH) at The Bridge in-reach service, based at Maidenhall Primary School.

Do you strongly believe that?

All behaviour is a form of communication

Relationships are the key to high quality learning

Every child deserves the chance to succeed

This role will give you the opportunity to drive real change—helping children with SEMH needs to thrive, shaping their future, and equipping them with the tools to reach their full potential.

About the Role

We are looking to recruit a specialist teaching assistant to plan and deliver bespoke education packages for individual pupils and small groups. Our work focuses on meeting SEMH needs, maintaining strong connections with pupils’ home schools, and facilitating reintegration into mainstream settings or transition to specialist provision where appropriate. The specialist teaching assistant will play a lead role within the team and oversee the daily line management of in-reach support staff.

The Bridge forms part of Luton’s Primary SEMH Service. The overarching aim of the service is to meet SEMH needs through outreach support and early intervention within schools. Where Tier 1 outreach support is not sufficient, pupils may be offered Tier 2 short term placements within The Bridge.

A key element of the service is the fostering of Therapeutic Thinking, supporting a cultural shift in how schools understand and respond to children’s needs.

What do we require?

NVQ 4 for Higher Level Teaching Assistants or equivalent qualification or equivalent experience

You to have the ability to build good working relationships and lead a team. Providing support, training and leadership when required.

You need to be self-motivated, flexible and enthusiastic.

Experience of working within a similar SEMH environment or role.

Good Numeracy and Literacy skills.

Experience of successfully supporting pupils in class, in small groups and working with an individual.

Thrive in a busy environment and enjoy new challenges.

Ability to drive and have a car would be advantageous for travelling to different schools in Luton.

We warmly welcome visits to our school and service. Meeting our Lead Practitioner and The Bridge team will give you valuable insight into our vision, values, and pupil pathways—and help you understand the impact you can have on our pupils.

Closing date: Monday 9th November 2026

Interview: Thursday 19th November or Friday 20th November 2026

All appointments will be subject to pre-employment checks, including an enhanced check with the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS), as well as online searches.