SEMH Teaching Assistant

Supply Desk; Allbrook; On-site; GBP 16,236 - 18,450; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

CPD and training opportunities

Refer a Friend scheme (£150)

Dedicated consultant support

Job summary

Supply Desk is recruiting an SEMH Teaching Assistant for a specialist school in Southampton from September 2026. The role involves 1:1 and small-group support for students with SEMH needs, helping with emotional regulation and behaviour strategies in a nurturing setting.

The successful candidate will collaborate with teachers and pastoral teams, ensure a calm environment and promote wellbeing and resilience. On-site parking available.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children or young people in an educational, coaching, care or support setting.
• Understanding of SEMH, SEND or behaviour support strategies.
• Calm, patient and resilient approach.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to remain positive and professional in challenging situations.
• Genuine passion for supporting vulnerable young people.
• Enhanced DBS on the Update Service or willingness to obtain one.

Responsibilities

• Providing 1:1 and small-group support for students with SEMH needs.
• Supporting pupils who may display challenging behaviour or struggle with emotional regulation.
• Building positive and trusting relationships with students.
• Encouraging engagement, participation and independence in lessons.
• Supporting the implementation of behaviour support strategies and individual learning plans.
• Working collaboratively with teachers, SENCOs and pastoral teams.
• Promoting positive wellbeing, resilience and self-confidence.
• Helping to maintain a calm, supportive and inclusive learning environment.

Skills

Experience with children

SEMH/SEND understanding

Communication skills

Calm and resilient

Positive professional attitude

Passion for vulnerable youth

Enhanced DBS / Update Service

Job description

SEMH Teaching Assistant - Specialist School, Southampton

£88-£100 per day (depending on experience)

Location: Southampton

Start Date: September 2026

Hours: 08:30 - 15:30

Contract: Long-Term | Potential to Become Permanent

Are you a compassionate and resilient Teaching Assistant looking to make a real difference in the lives of young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs?

Supply Desk are currently recruiting for a dedicated SEMH Teaching Assistant to join a specialist school in Southampton from September 2026. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant, Youth Worker, Sports Coach or Behaviour Support Assistant who is passionate about helping students overcome barriers to learning and achieve their full potential.

About the Role

As an SEMH Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with pupils who require additional emotional, behavioural and educational support. You will provide both classroom-based and 1:1 interventions, helping students to engage positively with learning, build confidence and develop effective strategies for managing their emotions and behaviour.

The successful candidate will play an important role in creating a safe, nurturing and supportive environment where students can thrive academically, socially and emotionally.

What You'll Be Doing

• Providing 1:1 and small-group support for students with SEMH needs.
• Supporting pupils who may display challenging behaviour or struggle with emotional regulation.
• Building positive and trusting relationships with students.
• Encouraging engagement, participation and independence in lessons.
• Supporting the implementation of behaviour support strategies and individual learning plans.
• Working collaboratively with teachers, SENCOs and pastoral teams.
• Promoting positive wellbeing, resilience and self-confidence.
• Helping to maintain a calm, supportive and inclusive learning environment.

About the School

• Specialist provision supporting students with SEMH needs.
• Highly supportive and experienced leadership team.
• Focus on personalised learning and positive relationship-building.
• Excellent training and professional development opportunities.
• Well-resourced environment designed to support student success.
• Easily accessible from Southampton and surrounding areas.
• On-site parking available.

What You'll Need

• Experience working with children or young people in an educational, coaching, care or support setting.
• Understanding of SEMH, SEND or behaviour support strategies.
• A calm, patient and resilient approach.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• The ability to remain positive and professional in challenging situations.
• A genuine passion for supporting vulnerable young people.
• An Enhanced DBS on the Update Service or willingness to obtain one.

Why Work with Supply Desk?

• Competitive daily rates of £88-£100 per day.
• Long-term opportunity with potential for a permanent position.
• Access to a wide range of CPD and training opportunities.
• Dedicated consultant support throughout your placement.
• Opportunities to gain valuable specialist SEN and SEMH experience.
• Refer a Friend Scheme - earn up to £150 for successful referrals.