SEMH Primary Teaching Assistant

Protocol Education Ltd; Sunderland; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading education provider is seeking a SEMH Primary Teaching Assistant in Sunderland. The role involves supporting children with social, emotional, and mental health needs, fostering a positive learning environment, and assisting teachers. Ideal candidates will have experience in similar settings and a valid Enhanced DBS check. Competitive daily rates and opportunities for professional development are offered.

Benefits

Competitive daily pay

Access to FREE CIPD-accredited training

Career development opportunities

Ongoing guidance and wellbeing support

Qualifications

• Experience supporting children with SEMH, autism, or additional needs.
• Strong behaviour management and communication skills.
• Understanding of trauma-informed practices is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 or small group support for pupils with SEMH.
• Assist the class teacher in delivering tailored lessons.
• Support behaviour management using a trauma-informed approach.

Skills

Behaviour management

Communication skills

Calm and patient approach

Education

Enhanced DBS check

Experience supporting children with SEMH or autism

Job description

Job Title: SEMH Primary Teaching Assistant
Location: Sunderland
Start Date: September 2025 (or sooner)
Job Type: Full-Time, Term Time Only
Salary: £89 - £108 per day (dependent on experience and qualifications)

Do you have the resilience, compassion, and commitment to support children with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs?
Protocol Education is working with a number of specialist primary SEMH provisions across Sunderland that are looking for nurturing, consistent and confident Teaching Assistants to join their teams. These schools provide vital support for pupils who may have experienced trauma, adverse childhood experiences, or barriers to learning in mainstream settings.

The Role:

• Provide 1:1 or small group support for pupils with SEMH and associated additional needs

• Build strong, trusting relationships with pupils to support emotional regulation and engagement in learning

• Assist the class teacher in delivering tailored lessons and activities

• Support behaviour management using a trauma-informed and relational approach

• Contribute to a safe, positive and inclusive classroom environment

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

• Experience supporting children with SEMH, autism, or additional needs in an educational or care setting

• Strong behaviour management and communication skills

• A calm, patient, and consistent approach

• An understanding of trauma-informed or restorative practices (desirable)

• A valid Enhanced DBS on the Update Service (or willingness to apply)

What Protocol Education Offers:

• Competitive daily pay: £89 - £108 (paid weekly via PAYE – no umbrella fees)

• A supportive consultant who understands the needs of SEMH settings

• Access to FREE CIPD-accredited training, including Thrive training

• Opportunities for career development and progression into long-term or permanent roles

• Ongoing guidance, wellbeing support, and CPD opportunities

If you’re looking to make a meaningful impact and help children reach their potential in an SEMH setting, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply today or contact us to find out more about roles available in Sunderland.

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.