SEMH & Behaviour Mentor - Primary

Tradewind Recruitment; Essex; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Dedicated consultant

CPD opportunities

Long-term opportunities

Job summary

Tradewind Recruitment are seeking an enthusiastic SEMH & Behaviour Mentor to work in a primary school in Thurrock, Essex. This full-time, long-term role offers the chance to support pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs and to help them engage with learning in a nurturing environment.

The ideal candidate will have experience supporting primary-aged children with SEMH or behavioural needs, possess a calm and resilient approach, and be committed to building positive relationships

Qualifications

• Experience with primary-aged children with SEMH or behavioural needs.
• Calm, patient, resilient and consistent approach.
• Ability to build positive relationships with pupils and staff.

Responsibilities

• Providing 1:1 and small-group support to SEMH pupils.
• Collaborating with teachers and SENCO to plan targeted support.
• Using de-escalation and behaviour management strategies.
• Monitoring and recording pupil progress and behaviour.

Skills

SEMH

Behaviour management

Emotional regulation

Resilience

Job description

SEMH & Behaviour Mentor - Primary

Location: Thurrock, Essex
Contract: Full-time, long-term
Start Date: September 2026

Are you passionate about supporting children with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs and helping them overcome barriers to learning?

Tradewind Recruitment are currently seeking an enthusiastic, resilient and experienced SEMH & Behaviour Mentor to join a primary school in Thurrock. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is passionate about supporting children who may require additional support with their behaviour, emotional regulation, confidence and engagement in education.

The successful candidate will play an important role within the school, building positive relationships with pupils and helping them develop the skills they need to succeed both socially and academically.

The Role

As an SEMH & Behaviour Mentor, you will provide targeted support to pupils who may experience difficulties with behaviour, emotional regulation, social interaction or engagement with learning.

You will work closely with teachers, the SENCO and wider pastoral team to provide consistent and nurturing support, helping pupils to manage their emotions, make positive choices and develop confidence in the school environment.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Providing 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with SEMH and behavioural needs.
• Building positive, trusting relationships with pupils and becoming a consistent and positive role model.
• Supporting children to understand and regulate their emotions.
• Helping pupils develop positive strategies for managing their behaviour.
• Supporting children who may display challenging, disruptive or dysregulated behaviour.
• Using appropriate de-escalation and behaviour management strategies.
• Helping pupils overcome barriers to learning and re-engage positively with education.
• Supporting pupils to develop confidence, resilience, independence and self-esteem.
• Working closely with teachers, the SENCO and pastoral team to identify individual needs and provide appropriate support.
• Supporting pupils both inside and outside the classroom, including during less structured parts of the school day.
• Encouraging positive relationships and interactions between pupils.
• Monitoring and recording behaviour, interventions and pupil progress where required.
• Contributing to a safe, inclusive and supportive school environment.

About You

The successful candidate will ideally have experience working with primary-aged children with SEMH, behavioural or additional needs.

You may have previous experience as a:

• SEMH Mentor
• Behaviour Mentor
• Learning Mentor
• Teaching Assistant
• SEN Teaching Assistant
• Pastoral Support Worker
• Youth Worker
• Family Support Worker
• Support Worker
• Residential Support Worker
• Sports Coach or similar role

Experience within a primary school environment would be advantageous, although candidates with strong transferable experience supporting children and young people will also be considered.

You will be calm, patient, resilient and consistent, with the ability to remain composed when faced with challenging behaviour.

Most importantly, you will be able to build positive relationships with children while maintaining clear and consistent boundaries.

Experience of SEMH, behaviour support, emotional regulation, restorative approaches, de-escalation or safeguarding would be highly desirable.

Why Work with Tradewind Recruitment?

At Tradewind Recruitment, we pride ourselves on putting our candidates first. We are a Sunday Times Top 100 Employer, reflecting our commitment to supporting our people and providing an excellent working environment.

When you work with Tradewind, you'll benefit from:

• Competitive daily rates of pay
• A dedicated, specialist consultant who will support you throughout your placement
• Access to a wide range of education opportunities across Essex and Suffolk
• Free access to CPD and online training
• Excellent opportunities for long-term and permanent positions
• PAYE - with no umbrella company required
• Regular support and communication from your dedicated consultant
• Access to our candidate referral scheme
• A recruitment agency that genuinely understands the education sector and the needs of its candidates

Why Tradewind?

We don't just place you in a school and leave you to it. Our consultants work with you throughout your assignment, helping you find the right opportunities, providing ongoing support and making sure you have someone to turn to whenever you need us.

If you're an experienced SEMH Mentor, Behaviour Mentor, Learning Mentor, Teaching Assistant or education professional looking for your next opportunity in Thurrock, we'd love to hear from you.