SEMH & Behaviour Mentor - Primary

Tradewind Recruitment; Grays; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Dedicated consultant

CPD & training

Long-term opportunities

PAYE

Job summary

Tradewind Recruitment is seeking an experienced SEMH & Behaviour Mentor to join a primary school in Thurrock. You will provide targeted support to pupils with SEMH and behavioural needs, building relationships and helping them engage with learning.

The role involves 1:1 and small-group work, collaboration with the SENCO and pastoral team, and contributing to a safe, inclusive school environment from September 2026.

Qualifications

• Experience with SEMH and behavioural needs in a primary setting.
• Ability to build positive, supportive relationships with children.
• Calm, patient and consistent approach to challenging behaviour.
• Experience working with teachers, SENCO and pastoral teams is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with SEMH and behavioural needs.
• Build positive, trusting relationships with pupils and be a consistent role model.
• Support pupils to understand and regulate their emotions.
• Help pupils develop positive strategies for managing their behaviour.
• Support pupils who may display challenging or dysregulated behaviour.
• Monitor and record pupil progress and interventions as required.

Skills

SEMH experience

Behaviour mentor

Behaviour management

1:1 support

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.