SEMH Learning Support Practitioner for Specialist College

Natspec; Elland; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

William Henry Smith Specialist College in Elland is seeking Teaching Support Practitioners to assist learners with SEMH and SEND, helping them feel safe, engage in learning and become more independent. You will work under teachers and tutors to make the curriculum accessible through targeted interventions and supportive relationships.

The role is permanent, term-time only, 35 hours per week, with NJC Scale 12–18 (£29,542–£32,578 FTE). The closing date is 3 November 2026.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting young people or adults in further education, specialist education, care, youth work or another relevant setting, with examples of building professional relationships and helping them make progress.
• Understand how SEMH needs and associated communication, sensory or learning differences can affect participation. Recognise individual variation and avoid deficit-based assumptions.
• Support learning through clear communication, questioning, modelling and carefully reduced scaffolding in line with the Foundations Independence Strategy.
• Use calm, consistent approaches to distress and behaviour; recognise when to seek support.
• Communicate respectfully with students, families and colleagues. Record observations objectively, use basic digital systems and manage confidential information appropriately.
• Warmth with boundaries: listens attentively, respects dignity and maintains professional relationships; does not seek dependence, favouritism or personal loyalty from students.
• Ambition with patience: believes students can learn, sustains effort through setbacks and notices small steps without accepting avoidably low expectations.
• Team commitment: shares information, values other disciplines and follows coordinated plans. Challenges discriminatory or unsafe practice through appropriate routes.

Responsibilities

• Deliver targeted interventions and agreed support programmes for individuals and small groups.
• Support learners to access learning, achieve agreed outcomes and develop independence.
• Implement Positive Behaviour Support plans and agreed therapeutic approaches.
• Use preventative, co-regulatory and de-escalation strategies to support emotional regulation.
• Observe learning, wellbeing and behaviour, maintaining accurate records.
• Monitor progress and intervention impact, sharing observations and recommendations appropriately.
• Act as Keyworker for allocated learners, maintaining positive professional relationships with learners and families.
• Work closely with teachers, therapists and other professionals to provide coordinated support.
• Prepare and maintain safe, organised and accessible learning environments.
• Support learning across classrooms, community settings, educational visits and enrichment activities.
• Safeguard and promote the welfare of learners at all times.
• Follow Foundation policies, procedures and professional standards.

Job description

William Henry Smith Specialist College in Elland is seeking Teaching Support Practitioners to assist learners with SEMH and SEND, helping them feel safe, engage in learning and become more independent. You will work under teachers and tutors to make the curriculum accessible through targeted interventions and supportive relationships.

The role is permanent, term-time only, 35 hours per week, with NJC Scale 12–18 (£29,542–£32,578 FTE). The closing date is 3 November 2026.