SEMH learning support

Protocol Education Ltd; Bristol; On-site; GBP 12,915 - 18,450; Full time

Job summary

Protocol Education is recruiting a dedicated SEMH Learning Support Assistant to support pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs in a Bristol specialist school. You’ll build calm, trusting relationships and help students engage with learning in a supportive environment.

Ideal candidates have at least 1 year of relevant experience, a compassionate approach and strong teamwork skills. The role offers weekly PAYE pay and opportunities across SEND settings.

Qualifications

• At least 1 year's experience supporting children or young people, ideally in education, care, youth work or SEND settings.
• Experience working with SEMH, SEND or challenging behaviour is highly desirable.
• A calm, resilient, and empathetic approach.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• A genuine passion for helping young people overcome barriers to learning.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils with SEMH needs on a one-to-one basis and in small groups.
• Help children develop emotional regulation, confidence, and positive relationships.
• Encourage engagement in learning through patience, consistency, and encouragement.
• Work alongside teachers and pastoral staff to create a safe, structured learning environment.
• Celebrate progress, no matter how big or small.

Skills

SEMH experience

Strong communication

Teamwork

Empathy

Job description

SEMH Learning Support Assistant

Location: Bristol
Pay: Competitive daily rate, paid weekly via PAYE
Contract:felxible
Start Date: September 2026

Overview

Be the calm in the classroom. Some children need more than academic support. They need someone who listens, understands, and believes in them, even on their toughest days.

We're looking for a compassionate and resilient SEMH Learning Support Assistant to join a specialist school in Bristol, supporting pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. If you're ready to build positive relationships and make a genuine difference, we'd love to hear from you.

What you'll be doing

• Supporting pupils with SEMH needs on a one-to-one basis and in small groups
• Helping children develop emotional regulation, confidence, and positive relationships
• Encouraging engagement in learning through patience, consistency, and encouragement
• Working alongside teachers and pastoral staff to create a safe, structured learning environment
• Celebrating progress, no matter how big or small

We're looking for someone who has

• At least 1 year\'s experience supporting children or young people, ideally in an educational, care, youth work, or SEND setting
• Experience working with SEMH, SEND, or challenging behaviour is highly desirable
• A calm, resilient, and empathetic approach
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• A genuine passion for helping young people overcome barriers to learning

An Enhanced DBS on the Update Service is desirable, but if you don\'t have one, we can help you obtain one.

Why join Protocol Education?

We know the impact great support staff have, which is why we'll support you every step of the way.

When you join us, you'll receive:

• Weekly PAYE pay, no umbrella companies
• FREE access to our online CPD Academy
• A dedicated consultant who'll get to know you and support your career
• Opportunities across mainstream, SEND, SEMH, and alternative provision schools
• A simple and straightforward registration process
• A referral scheme where you can earn rewards for recommending friends

Not Thrive trained yet? We offer FREE Thrive training, giving you practical strategies to support children's emotional wellbeing and helping you stand out to schools.

If you're ready to help young people build confidence, overcome challenges, and achieve their potential, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today and take the next step in your education career with Protocol Education.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQs on the Protocol Education website for further details.

All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.

Protocol Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with the DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’, this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.

We offer FREE online safeguarding and Prevent Duty training to all our workers. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and subscribe to the DBS Update Service.

Full assistance provided. For details of our privacy policy, please see visit the Protocol Education website.