SEMH Teacher Assistant

Teaching Personnel; Thrapston; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Teaching Personnel in Thrapston is seeking a dedicated Teaching Assistant to support KS3- KS4 students with SEMH needs. You will help pupils navigate lessons, build emotional resilience, and stay engaged in learning.

The role offers full-time hours, a pathway to permanent contracts, and a supportive specialist team focused on student progress and staff wellbeing. You will work closely with teachers and welfare staff to monitor progress and adapt strategies as needed.

Qualifications

• Experience with SEMH or vulnerable youth in educational settings.
• Strong behaviour management and de-escalation techniques are essential.
• High emotional intelligence, patience and consistent boundary-setting are required.

Responsibilities

• Support KS3- KS4 students in the classroom, encouraging participation and personal growth.
• De-escalate challenging situations using calm, positive strategies.
• Foster trust-based relationships with students who may have complex emotional needs.
• Collaborate with teachers, pastoral staff and external support services to ensure student wellbeing.

Skills

SEMH experience

Behaviour management

De-escalation techniques

Patience & empathy

Job description

Location: Thrapston (NN14)

Schedule: Full-Time | Monday to Friday (8:30am - 3:30pm)

Contract Type: Ongoing / Long-Term (Path to Permanent)

About the Role

Are you a dedicated and adaptable Teaching Assistant with a talent for supporting students with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs?

We are seeking compassionate, resilient, and proactive individuals to join a specialist educational provider in Thrapston (NN14). In this role, you will work directly with Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 students (ages 11-16), helping them navigate educational challenges, build emotional resilience, and achieve their full potential.

Key Responsibilities

• Support students in the classroom, encouraging active participation and personal growth.
• De-escalate challenging situations using calm, consistent, and positive behaviour strategies.
• Foster strong, trust-based relationships with young people who may have complex emotional or behavioural needs.
• Collaborate closely with teachers, pastoral staff, and external support services to ensure every student feels supported.

What We're Looking For

• Experience: Prior background working with SEMH needs, complex behaviour, or vulnerable youth (in schools, residential care, youth work, or similar settings).
• Skills: Strong behaviour management and natural de-escalation techniques.
• Attributes: High emotional intelligence, patience, consistency, and firm but fair boundary-setting.
• Mindset: Enthusiastic, supportive, and truly passionate about driving positive change for young people.

Why Apply?

• Stability & Growth: Full-time hours with a clear pathway to a permanent contract.
• Impactful Work: Make a real, tangible difference in the lives of KS3-KS4 learners.
• Supportive Environment: Join a collaborative specialist team dedicated to staff well-being and student progress.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQs on the Teaching Personnel website for 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.
Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with 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 all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.
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