Secondary SEMH Teaching Assistant

Teaching Personnel; Wigan; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable educational support agency is seeking a dedicated SEMH Teaching Assistant to join a secondary school in Wigan. This full-time, long-term position is ideal for individuals passionate about supporting students with social, emotional, and mental health needs. Responsibilities include providing 1:1 support, implementing behavior strategies, and monitoring pupil wellbeing. The ideal candidate should have experience in a relevant setting and possess strong communication skills. Apply today to make a positive impact in the Wigan community!

Benefits

Dedicated consultant support

Ongoing CPD training

Career progression opportunities

Qualifications

• Enhanced DBS registered on the Update Service or willingness to obtain one.
• Experience supporting SEMH needs in educational or care settings.
• Strong behaviour management and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with SEMH needs.
• Implement individual support plans and behaviour strategies.
• Work closely with teaching staff to adapt learning materials.
• Support pupils in de-escalating challenging situations.
• Monitor pupil progress, behaviour, and wellbeing.

Skills

Behaviour management

Communication skills

Patience

Proactive approach

Job description

SEMH Teaching Assistant – Secondary School (Wigan)

Employer: Teaching Personnel
Start: ASAP
Contract: Full-time, long-term

Are you passionate about supporting young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs such as anxiety, ADHD, behavioural regulation difficulties, attachment needs, and low self-esteem? Teaching Personnel are seeking a dedicated and proactive SEMH Teaching Assistant to join one of our partner secondary schools in the Wigan area. This role is ideal for someone who is patient, nurturing, and confident supporting pupils who require additional pastoral, emotional, and behavioural support.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small‑group support to pupils with SEMH needs, helping them manage emotions, behaviour, and engagement.
• Implement individual support plans and behaviour strategies designed by SENCOs and pastoral teams.
• Work closely with teaching staff to adapt learning materials and ensure lessons are accessible and inclusive.
• Support pupils in de‑escalating challenging situations using restorative, calm, and trauma‑informed approaches.
• Promote positive relationships, resilience, and emotional regulation through consistent encouragement and modelling.
• Monitor pupil progress, behaviour, and wellbeing, reporting concerns accurately and promptly.
• Assist with classroom routines, transitions, and safe movement around school.
• Help create a supportive, structured environment that enables pupils to feel safe and succeed.

Requirements

• An enhanced DBS registered on the Update Service (or willingness to obtain one).
• Experience supporting SEMH needs, ideally within an educational, youth work, or care setting.
• A patient, calm, and proactive approach, with strong behaviour management and communication skills.
• References covering the last 24 months.
• Safeguarding training – this can be provided by Teaching Personnel if needed.

What Teaching Personnel Offer

• A dedicated consultant supporting you throughout your placement.
• Ongoing CPD including behaviour management, safeguarding, and SEMH-focused training.
• Opportunities for career progression within SEND and pastoral roles.

If you're passionate about supporting young people and want to make a meaningful impact in the Wigan community, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply today to join Teaching Personnel and begin your journey as an SEMH Teaching Assistant.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.

All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.

Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.

We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.

For details of our privacy policy, please visit the Teaching Personnel website.