SEMH Primary Teaching Assistant

Tradewind Recruitment; Gloucester; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A supportive educational agency is seeking a Primary SEMH Teaching Assistant to help primary-aged children struggling with emotional and behavioral challenges. The role offers flexibility in hours, accommodating part-time and full-time availability. Ideal candidates will have experience or a strong interest in working with children with SEMH needs. The position includes providing one-on-one support, utilizing behavior management strategies, and facilitating learning through structured activities. Immediate starts available.

Benefits

Competitive pay rates

Access to 2,500+ FREE CPD courses

Flexible working hours

Recognized as a top employer for wellbeing

Qualifications

• Experience (or a strong interest) in primary SEMH, SEND or trauma-informed practice.
• Calm and patient demeanor in support of children’s emotional needs.
• Ability to handle challenging behaviours in a supportive manner.

Responsibilities

• Support primary-aged children with emotional regulation difficulties.
• Build safe, consistent and trusting relationships with pupils.
• Use play-based activities to help children access learning.

Skills

Experience in primary SEMH

Patience

Resilience

Ability to build rapport

Adaptability

Education

Relevant degree (psychology, education etc.)

Job description

Primary SEMH Teaching Assistant

Join Tradewind Recruitment as a Primary SEMH Teaching Assistant. At Tradewind Recruitment, we are a supportive, people‑focused agency that truly values the educators we work with. Whether you’re looking to gain experience in specialist settings, support children at a crucial stage of development, or build flexibility into your week, we’ll match you with roles where you can thrive and feel appreciated.

We are currently recruiting flexible Primary SEMH Teaching Assistants to support specialist SEMH provisions and alternative settings across Bristol and South Gloucestershire. These settings support primary-aged pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, often alongside additional learning or communication challenges.

This is a flexible opportunity, offering a mix of part-time, ad‑hoc and longer‑term placements to suit your availability.

About the Role

You will be supporting primary‑aged children who may present with emotional regulation difficulties, attachment needs, anxiety, trauma‑related behaviours or challenging behaviour. Your role will focus on:

• Building safe, consistent and trusting relationships
• Supporting pupils 1:1 or in small groups
• Using positive behaviour support and de‑escalation strategies
• Helping children access learning through play‑based, practical and structured activities
• Supporting emotional regulation and social development alongside academic learning

These provisions move away from a traditional classroom model, using nurturing environments, personalised timetables and therapeutic approaches to help children re‑engage with education and build confidence.

You'll be a Great Fit if You:

• Have experience (or a strong interest) in primary SEMH, SEND or trauma‑informed practice
• Are patient, resilient and calm when supporting children with dysregulated behaviour
• Can build strong rapport with children who struggle in mainstream settings
• Are confident supporting behaviour that may be physically or verbally challenging
• Are adaptable and happy working across different primary age groups
• Are available on a flexible basis (full‑time or part‑time)

Ideal backgrounds include:

• Youth work, mentoring, psychology or education graduates, behaviour support, sports coaching, early years, residential care, or primary SEN support

Details

• Location: Bristol & South Gloucestershire
• Hours: 8:30am - 3:30pm (term‑time only)
• Availability: Full‑time or part‑time
• Start Date: Immediate starts available, with potential for long‑term or permanent roles

Why Join Tradewind?

• Your income matters: We secure the best rates for your experience
• Your development matters: 2,500+ FREE CPD courses through The National College
• Your flexibility matters: Work that fits around your lifestyle
• Your wellbeing matters: Sunday Times Top 100 Employer (four years running)
• Your values matter: We are proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer

If you’re passionate about supporting primary‑aged children with SEMH needs and want flexibility in your working week, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply today or contact Tradewind Recruitment to find out more about joining our Primary SEMH support team.