SEMH & ASC Teaching Assistant

Connex Education Partnership; Dursley; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive daily PAYE rates

SEND Toolkit access

CPD training courses

Career progression opportunities

Job summary

Connex Education Partnership is seeking calm, patient SEMH/ASC Teaching Assistants to support pupils across Dursley and surrounding areas, with a focus on SEMH needs and Autism Spectrum Conditions. The role offers flexible supply, short-term and long-term opportunities across the Bristol region.

You’ll provide 1:1 and small-group support, build positive relationships, and work with teachers to implement individual plans in a nurturing, structured environment.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting children or young people with SEMH needs
• Experience supporting pupils with ASC or related communication challenges
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support
• Build trusting, consistent relationships with pupils
• Support SEMH and ASC pupils in learning activities
• Assist with behaviour management and de-escalation
• Support pupils to develop emotional regulation and independence
• Collaborate with teachers, pastoral teams and specialists
• Maintain a calm, structured classroom environment

Skills

SEMH experience

ASC experience

Behaviour support

Communication skills

Job description

SEMH & ASC Teaching Assistant

Location: Dursley & surrounding areas
Pay: £95–£115 per day PAYE
Job Type: Flexible Supply, Temporary, Long-Term & Temp-to-Perm Opportunities
Start Date: Flexible

About the Role

Connex Education Partnership are seeking calm, patient and resilient Teaching Assistants to support children and young people across specialist education settings and schools across the Dursley, Berkley and Thornbury areas.

These opportunities are particularly suited to individuals with an interest in supporting pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, including young people who may experience barriers to learning as a result of emotional regulation, anxiety, behaviour or difficulties building relationships.

You may also support pupils with Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC) who experience associated communication, social interaction and behavioural challenges. The focus is on providing a consistent, nurturing and structured environment where pupils feel safe, understood and able to engage with education.

This role could suit an experienced Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant, SEMH Teaching Assistant, Behaviour Mentor, Youth Worker, Support Worker, Residential Worker or Mentor looking to bring their skills into education.

Your Responsibilities

As a SEMH & ASC Teaching Assistant, you may be responsible for:

• Providing 1:1 and small-group support
• Building positive, trusting and consistent relationships with pupils
• Supporting children and young people with SEMH needs
• Supporting pupils with Autism Spectrum Conditions and associated communication challenges
• Helping pupils develop emotional regulation and coping strategies
• Supporting positive behaviour and appropriate responses to challenging situations
• Using calm, consistent and positive approaches to de-escalation
• Encouraging pupils to engage with learning and develop confidence
• Supporting communication, social interaction and relationship-building
• Helping pupils develop independence and resilience
• Following individual support, behaviour and learning plans
• Working closely with teachers, pastoral teams and other specialist staff
• Providing a calm, structured and supportive classroom environment

We’d Love to Hear From You If You Have

• Experience supporting children or young people with SEMH needs
• Experience supporting pupils with Autism Spectrum Conditions
• Experience supporting behavioural or communication challenges
• Experience working with vulnerable children or young people
• A background in education, youth work, mentoring, care or other relevant support roles
• A calm, patient and consistent approach
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• The resilience and empathy needed to support pupils who may find education challenging
• A genuine interest in helping children and young people overcome barriers to learning

Experience within an educational setting is desirable, but relevant experience outside of education is also highly valued.

Flexible Opportunities

Connex offers a range of SEMH and SEND Teaching Assistant opportunities across Bristol, including:

• Day-to-day supply
• Short-term placements
• Long-term positions
• Temp-to-perm opportunities

Whether you’re looking for flexible supply work or a consistent long-term placement, we’ll work with you to find opportunities that match your experience and availability.

Why Connex Education Partnership?

• Competitive daily PAYE rates
• Flexible supply opportunities
• Weekly PAYE pay – no umbrella companies
• Free access to our SEND Toolkit and CPD training courses
• Funded formal qualifications, including Level 2 SEND, Level 3 Teaching & Learning, Level 4 HLTA and Level 5 TEFL
• Career progression opportunities through our specialist training pathways
• Wellbeing support and refresher training
• Dedicated specialist SEND consultant
• Ongoing support throughout your placement

Connex Education Partnership is an equal opportunities employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants.

Connex Education Partnership is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and candidates to share this commitment. We adhere to Safer Recruitment practices in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE), Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023, and other relevant legislation. All appointments are subject to rigorous pre-employment checks, including references and an enhanced DBS check.