SEMH Classroom Assistant

AMA Admin; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 20,000; Full time

Job summary

AMA Admin in Newcastle upon Tyne is seeking a committed SEMH Learning Support Assistant to support students with social, emotional and mental health needs in our Alternative Provision. Start date: September 2026.

A rewarding role to help young people overcome barriers and reach their potential in a nurturing setting. You will work with teachers and pastoral staff to regulate emotions, safeguard students, and deliver targeted interventions.

Qualifications

• Experience with SEMH, behavioural needs or additional needs.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed practice and restorative approaches.
• Calm, patient, and professional under pressure.
• Strong relationships built on trust and respect.
• Excellent communication and teamwork.
• Commitment to safeguarding and welfare of children.
• Passion for supporting vulnerable young people.

Responsibilities

• Build positive relationships with students, acting as a trusted role model.
• Support SEMH needs to regulate behaviour and emotions using restorative approaches.
• Deliver targeted interventions to improve behaviour, emotional wellbeing, attendance and engagement.
• Support students during lessons to maximise learning and minimise disruption.
• Record and monitor student progress and behaviour accurately.
• Collaborate with teachers, safeguarding staff, families and external professionals.
• Contribute to behaviour support plans, risk assessments and reviews.
• Promote high expectations in a nurturing and inclusive environment.

Skills

SEMH experience

Trauma-informed

Restorative approaches

Positive behaviour support

Calm and patient

Communication skills

Safeguarding knowledge

Education

GCSE English and Maths

Job description

Social, Emotional and Mental Health LSA
Location: Newcastle Upon Tyne
Salary: £105 - £110
Contract: Full-time | Term Time Only
Start Date: September 2026

Make a Difference Every Day

We are seeking a committed, resilient, and compassionate SEMH Learning Support Assistant to join our Alternative Provision, supporting students with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs. This is an opportunity to work with young people who require additional support to overcome barriers to learning, develop positive relationships, and achieve meaningful outcomes. If you are passionate about helping young people succeed, thrive in a nurturing environment, and believe every student deserves the chance to reach their potential, we would love to hear from you.

About the Role

As a Behaviour Mentor, you will play a key role in supporting students both inside and outside the classroom. You will build positive, trusting relationships with young people, helping them to regulate their emotions, make positive choices, and engage successfully with learning. Working closely with teachers, pastoral staff, families, and external agencies, you will provide consistent support tailored to each student's individual needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Build positive, professional relationships with students, acting as a trusted role model.
• Support students with SEMH needs to regulate their behaviour and emotions using restorative and trauma-informed approaches.
• Deliver targeted interventions to improve behaviour, emotional wellbeing, attendance, and engagement.
• Support students during lessons to maximise learning and minimise disruption.
• Respond calmly and effectively to challenging behaviour, following school policies and procedures.
• Contribute to behaviour support plans, risk assessments, and student reviews.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, safeguarding staff, parents/carers, and external professionals.
• Promote high expectations while maintaining a nurturing and inclusive environment.
• Record and monitor student progress and behaviour accurately.

We Are Looking For Someone Who:

• Has experience working with children or young people with SEMH, behavioural needs, or additional needs.
• Understands trauma-informed practice, restorative approaches, and positive behaviour support.
• Is calm, patient, resilient, and able to remain professional in challenging situations.
• Can build strong relationships based on trust, consistency, and respect.
• Has excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
• Has a genuine passion for supporting vulnerable young people to succeed.

Desirable

• Experience working in an Alternative Provision, PRU, specialist school, or similar setting.
• Team Teach, PRICE, or equivalent positive handling training (or willingness to undertake training).
• Knowledge of safeguarding, SEND, and SEMH best practice.
• GCSE English and Maths (Grade C/4 or above) or equivalent.

What We Offer

• A supportive and welcoming team with a strong pastoral ethos.
• High-quality professional development and training.
• Opportunities for career progression.
• A rewarding role where you can make a lasting impact on young people's lives.
• A commitment to staff wellbeing and work-life balance.