Learning Support Assistant (SEMH)

Teaching Personnel; Tockholes; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 21,000; Part time

Job summary

Teaching Personnel is seeking a Learning Support Assistant (SEMH) to support pupils across primary and secondary in a specialist SEMH setting in Blackburn. This temporary to permanent role commences September 2026 and is term-time only, offering a pathway to a permanent position after a successful probationary period.

You will support pupils with SEMH needs, implement trauma-informed practices, and work closely with teaching and pastoral staff to create a nurturing learning environment.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children or young people with SEMH needs or SEND.
• Understanding of ACEs, trauma-informed care and attachment difficulties.
• Ability to remain calm and professional in challenging situations.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-to-one and small group support for pupils with SEMH needs.
• Foster positive relationships to promote emotional regulation and engagement in learning.
• Support pupils displaying challenging behaviours with trauma-informed strategies.
• Assist with classroom activities and track pupil progress.
• Collaborate with teachers, therapists, and pastoral teams.

Skills

Experience with SEMH

Behaviour management

Trauma-informed practice

Emotional intelligence

Caring and empathetic

Job description

Learning Support Assistant (SEMH)

Primary & Secondary SEMH Provision in Blackburn

Temporary to Permanent Opportunity Start Date: September 2026 Term Time Only

Are you passionate about making a positive difference to the lives of children and young people who have experienced significant challenges in their early lives?

We are seeking dedicated, resilient and compassionate Learning Support Assistants to join a specialist SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health) setting supporting pupils across both primary and secondary phases. This is a temporary to permanent position commencing in September, offering an excellent opportunity to build a rewarding career within specialist education.

About the Role

You will support pupils who present with a range of social, emotional and behavioural needs, many of whom have experienced Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), trauma, attachment difficulties, neglect, loss, family instability, or disrupted educational journeys.

Working closely with teaching staff and pastoral teams, you will help create a safe, consistent and nurturing environment where pupils can develop confidence, resilience and achieve positive outcomes both academically and socially.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide one-to-one and small group support for pupils with SEMH needs.
• Foster positive, trusting relationships that promote emotional regulation and engagement in learning.
• Support pupils who may display behaviours that challenge, including dysregulation, verbal aggression, conflict, avoidance, anxiety, low self-esteem or disengagement from education.
• Implement behaviour support strategies using a trauma-informed and restorative approach.
• Help pupils develop social skills, emotional literacy and coping strategies.
• Support teaching and learning activities across the curriculum.
• Maintain accurate records and contribute to pupil progress reviews.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, therapists, pastoral teams and external professionals.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have

• Experience working with children or young people with SEMH needs, SEND, behavioural challenges or vulnerable learners.
• An understanding of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), attachment difficulties and trauma-informed practice.
• The ability to remain calm, patient and professional in challenging situations.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• A genuine passion for supporting young people to overcome barriers to learning.
• Strong resilience, empathy and emotional intelligence.
• Experience within alternative provision, SEMH schools, SEND settings, youth work, residential care or similar environments is highly desirable.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to secure a permanent position following a successful temporary period.
• A supportive and experienced leadership team.
• Ongoing professional development and specialist SEMH training.
• A rewarding role where every day makes a difference.
• The opportunity to positively impact the lives of vulnerable children and young people.

Safeguarding Statement

This role involves regulated activity with children and young people. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff to share this commitment.

Job Type: Temporary to Permanent

Hours: Term Time Only

Start Date: September 2026

Setting: Primary & Secondary SEMH Provision

Salary: Competitive and dependent on experience.

All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay.