Learning Support Assistant – SEMH

Rotherwood Education; Accrington; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

Rotherwood Education are recruiting for a dedicated Learning Support Assistant (SEMH) to work in a supportive secondary school in the Accrington area. This long-term role could become permanent for the right candidate.

The role involves one-to-one and small-group SEMH support, trauma-informed approaches, and close collaboration with teachers to promote emotional regulation and readiness to learn among pupils.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting children with SEMH needs in a school setting.
• Understanding trauma/ACEs and its impact on behaviour and learning.
• Experience supporting children with ADHD.
• Knowledge of ELSA approaches and co-regulation strategies.
• Strong communication and ability to work with a wider school team.
• Willingness to obtain/update an enhanced DBS and references.

Responsibilities

• Provide targeted one-to-one and small-group SEMH support for pupils.
• Support emotional regulation and co-regulation strategies.
• Build positive relationships and provide consistent support.
• Collaborate with teachers and pastoral staff to implement plans.
• Support pupils affected by trauma/ACEs and EBSA.
• Use SEMH interventions (e.g., Lego therapy, D&T) as appropriate.
• Monitor progress and contribute to reviews of support strategies.
• Maintain records and communicate with staff and parents where appropriate.
• Uphold safeguarding and pupil wellbeing at all times.

Skills

SEMH experience

Trauma-informed

ADHD support

ELSA familiarity

Emotional regulation

Co-regulation strategies

Relationship building

Communication

Team collaboration

Safeguarding awareness

Job description

Rotherwood Education are currently recruiting for a dedicated and experienced Learning Support Assistant (SEMH) to work on a full-time basis in a supportive Secondary school in the Accrington area.

This is a long-term role starting in September 2026 or sooner, with the possibility of becoming a permanent position for the right candidate.

The successful candidate will have experience supporting children with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs and will play an important role in helping pupils develop emotional regulation, positive relationships and readiness to learn.

The role will include:

• Providing targeted one-to-one and small-group support for pupils with SEMH needs
• Supporting pupils with emotional regulation and developing effective co-regulation strategies
• Building positive, trusting relationships with pupils and providing consistent support
• Working closely with teachers and the wider pastoral team to implement individual support strategies
• Supporting pupils affected by trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
• Supporting children with ADHD and adapting approaches to meet individual needs
• Using appropriate SEMH interventions, including activities such as D&T, Lego therapy and other practical or interest-led approaches
• Supporting pupils experiencing Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA)
• Helping pupils develop coping strategies, resilience and confidence
• Supporting positive behaviour and helping pupils to re-engage with learning
• Monitoring pupil progress and contributing to reviews of support strategies
• Maintaining appropriate records and communicating relevant information to teaching and pastoral staff
• Working closely with parents, carers and other professionals where appropriate
• Promoting safeguarding and the wellbeing of pupils at all times

The Ideal Candidate Will:

• Have experience working with children with SEMH needs, preferably within a primary school setting
• Have a strong understanding of trauma, ACEs and the impact these can have on behaviour and learning
• Have experience supporting children with ADHD
• Have knowledge or experience of ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant) approaches
• Understand emotional regulation and be confident using co-regulation strategies
• Have experience using appropriate SEMH interventions, such as Lego therapy, D&T or other practical activities
• Have experience supporting pupils with EBSA
• Be patient, calm and consistent when supporting children experiencing emotional or behavioural difficulties
• Be confident building positive relationships with pupils and helping them feel safe and supported
• Have strong communication skills and be able to work effectively as part of a wider school team
• Be committed to safeguarding and the wellbeing of children and young people
• Provide details of the last 2 references, covering the last 5 years' work history
• Possess a current DBS check or be prepared to apply for one as part of your registration
• Be willing to complete a face-to-face registration and satisfy several checks

There is the possibility of a permanent position for the right candidate.

If you are an experienced Teaching Assistant or Learning Support Assistant with a passion for supporting children with SEMH needs and helping pupils overcome barriers to learning, we would love to hear from you.

This post is being advertised on behalf of Rotherwood Education, who are acting as an employment agency. All applicants will be subject to relevant safeguarding checks, including an enhanced DBS and references, in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE)