SEMH Primary Teaching Assistant. Job in Bristol Education & Training Jobs

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

Job summary

A leading education recruitment agency is seeking Primary SEMH Teaching Assistants to support children with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs in Bristol and South Gloucestershire. This role offers flexible placements ideal for those with backgrounds in youth work or education, focusing on building trust and emotional regulation while adapting to various learning environments. Immediate starts are available for both short- and long-term roles, emphasizing a supportive workplace culture and development opportunities for staff.

Benefits

Flexible working hours

Free CPD courses

Supportive work environment

Qualifications

• Experience or strong interest in SEMH, SEND, or trauma-informed practice.
• Able to support dysregulated behaviour calmly.
• Experience in building relationships with challenging children.

Responsibilities

• Building safe, consistent relationships with children.
• Support pupils 1:1 or in small groups.
• Use positive behaviour support strategies.

Skills

Experience in primary SEMH or trauma-informed practice

Patience and resilience

Ability to build rapport with children

Confidence in handling challenging behaviour

Adaptability across age groups

Education

Background in youth work, psychology, or education

Job description

Join Tradewind Recruitment as a Primary SEMH Teaching Assistant

Tradewind Recruitment is a supportive, people‑focused agency that values educators. We aim to match you with roles where you can thrive and feel appreciated, whether you are gaining experience in specialist settings, supporting children at a crucial stage of development, or adding flexibility to your week.

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.

• 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.

Role Details

• Location: Bristol & South Gloucestershire
• Hours: 8:30am - 3:30pm (term‑time only)
• Pay: 90 - 105 per day
• Availability: Full‑time or part‑time
• Start Date: Immediate starts available, with potential for long‑term or permanent roles

Why Join Tradewind?

At Tradewind, we don't just place candidates – we champion them.

• 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.