Secondary SEN Teaching Assistant

GSL Education - Yorkshire; Chesterfield; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is looking for a dedicated Secondary SEN Teaching Assistant to join a specialist SEMH school. This full-time role is perfect for someone who is proactive and empathetic, with a passion for supporting secondary-aged students facing social, emotional, and mental health challenges. You will work closely with students aged 11-16, providing both academic and emotional support, while fostering a safe and nurturing environment. If you are committed to making a difference in young people's lives and have the necessary skills and experience, this opportunity could be the perfect fit for you.

Qualifications

• Experience working with secondary-age students with SEN/SEMH as an SEN Teaching Assistant.
• A degree in Psychology, SEN, Counselling, Education or a similar field.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small group support for students with SEMH needs.
• Assist in managing challenging behaviours using de-escalation strategies.
• Support pupils in accessing the curriculum and developing key life skills.

Skills

Behaviour Management

Interpersonal Skills

Empathy

Calm and Patient Approach

Education

Degree in Psychology

Degree in SEN

CACHE Level 2/3 or NVQ Level 2/3

Tools

Enhanced DBS

Job description

Secondary SEN Teaching Assistant

Location: Chesterfield
Salary: £100 - £110 per day (Depending on Experience)
Start Date: Immediate
Contract Type: Full-time

Are you passionate about supporting secondary-aged students with additional needs? Do you have experience working with children who display Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) challenges?

GSL Education are seeking a resilient and committed Secondary SEN Teaching Assistant (SEN TA) to join a specialist SEMH school in Chesterfield.

About the role:

This is a full-time opportunity, ideal for someone who is proactive, empathetic, and confident in managing behaviour while building strong, trusting relationships with young people. This role involves supporting students aged 11-16 who may have EHCPs and complex needs. You'll be working 1:1 and in small groups, supporting not just academic progress but social, emotional, and behavioural development.

SEN TA - Secondary Responsibilities:

1. Provide 1:1 and small group support for students with SEMH needs.
2. Assist in managing challenging behaviours using de-escalation strategies.
3. Support pupils in accessing the curriculum and developing key life skills.
4. Encourage positive learning experiences and emotional regulation.
5. Work collaboratively with teachers and support staff to implement EHCP targets.
6. Help maintain a safe and nurturing classroom environment.
7. Deliver interventions focusing on emotional wellbeing and resilience.
8. Support students during off-site trips or enrichment activities.
9. Monitor and record pupil progress and provide feedback to staff and families.
10. Be a positive role model, promoting confidence and independence.

What we need from a Secondary SEN Teaching Assistant (SEN TA):

1. Experience working with secondary-age students with SEN/SEMH as an SEN Teaching Assistant.
2. A degree in Psychology, SEN, Counselling, Education or a similar field.
3. CACHE Level 2/3 or NVQ Level 2/3 in Teaching Assistant or Childcare is desirable but not mandatory.
4. Strong behaviour management and interpersonal skills.
5. A calm, patient, and understanding approach.
6. Must be a driver with access to a vehicle (essential).
7. Full-time availability is required.
8. Understanding of safeguarding and child protection expectations.
9. A valid, enhanced DBS on the update service or willingness to apply for one.

Please be advised that this role requires a strong knowledge and understanding of safeguarding and child protection, and successful applicants must satisfy all background safer recruitment checks, including providing an enhanced DBS certificate registered on the update service or completing an application for a new check.

As an ethical, independent recruitment agency, GSL Education are committed to providing quality teaching and support staff across the UK.

For more information or to register your interest in the Secondary SEN Teaching Assistant role, or to be considered, please click 'apply now' to submit your full and up-to-date CV, and one of our dedicated consultants will be in touch.