SEMH Teaching Assistant

Balfor Recruitment Group; Altrincham; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 20,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive daily rate (£95–£110)

Full-time, Monday to Friday

Long-term, ongoing opportunity

Balfor Education consultant support

Experience in alternative provision & 

Job summary

Balfor Education is recruiting an experienced SEN Teaching Assistant to support a secondary cohort in an alternative provision in Altrincham, Greater Manchester. The role focuses on 1:1 and small-group support for students with SEN, SEND, SEMH, Autism and ADHD, helping learners re-engage with education.

The successful candidate will work closely with teachers, building positive relationships and applying positive behaviour strategies in a calm, structured environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 6 months’ UK school-based experience working with children or young people.
• Experience supporting students with SEN, SEND, SEMH, Autism and ADHD.
• Experience supporting students with challenging behaviour or additional learning needs.
• Experience within mainstream, SEN school, specialist setting or alternative provision.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support to secondary-aged students with additional needs.
• Support students with SEN, SEND, SEMH, Autism, ADHD and other complex needs.
• Help students overcome barriers to learning and re-engage with education.
• Support students who may present with challenging behaviour or emotional regulation difficulties.
• Build positive, trusting and consistent relationships with young people.
• Work closely with teachers to adapt learning activities and resources.
• Support students with their academic, social and emotional development.
• Implement positive behaviour strategies and contribute to a calm and structured learning environment.
• Encourage independence, confidence and positive engagement.
• Monitor student progress, engagement and behaviour and communicate relevant information to teaching staff.

Skills

Strong communication

Interpersonal skills

Patience

Empathy

Resilience

Behaviour management

Education

Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification

Job description

SEN Teaching Assistant – Alternative Provision | Altrincham, Greater Manchester

About the Role

Balfor Education is currently recruiting for an experienced and dedicated SEN Teaching Assistant to join an alternative provision in Altrincham, Greater Manchester, supporting secondary-aged students with a range of special educational needs.

This is an excellent opportunity for a Teaching Assistant with experience supporting young people with SEN, SEND, SEMH, Autism, ADHD and challenging behaviour. You will provide consistent 1:1 and small-group support, helping students overcome barriers to learning and re-engage with education.

The successful candidate will have a patient, nurturing and resilient approach, with the ability to build positive relationships with students who may have struggled within mainstream education.

About the School

The alternative provision supports secondary-aged students who may have experienced difficulties engaging within mainstream education.

The setting provides a structured, supportive and personalised learning environment, with a strong focus on re‑engagement, confidence, independence and positive educational outcomes.

Students benefit from smaller class sizes and additional individual support, allowing staff to develop strong relationships and provide tailored academic, behavioural and pastoral support.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support to secondary-aged students with additional needs.
• Support students with SEN, SEND, SEMH, Autism, ADHD and other complex needs.
• Help students overcome barriers to learning and re‑engage with education.
• Support students who may present with challenging behaviour or emotional regulation difficulties.
• Build positive, trusting and consistent relationships with young people.
• Work closely with teachers to adapt learning activities and resources.
• Support students with their academic, social and emotional development.
• Implement positive behaviour strategies and contribute to a calm and structured learning environment.
• Encourage independence, confidence and positive engagement.
• Monitor student progress, engagement and behaviour and communicate relevant information to teaching staff.

Requirements

• Minimum of 6 months’ UK school-based experience working with children or young people.
• Previous experience supporting students with SEN, SEND, SEMH, Autism and ADHD.
• Experience supporting young people with challenging behaviour or additional learning needs.
• Previous experience within a mainstream school, SEN school, specialist setting or alternative provision.
• Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification or equivalent is desirable.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Patient, empathetic and nurturing approach.
• Ability to build positive relationships with young people.
• Resilience and confidence when supporting students with challenging needs.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

What We Offer

• Competitive daily rate of £95–£110 per day, depending on experience and qualifications.
• Full-time, Monday to Friday working hours.
• Long-term, ongoing opportunity.
• Opportunity to gain valuable experience within an alternative provision and SEN setting.
• Dedicated support from your Balfor Education consultant.
• Opportunity to make a genuine difference to students who may have experienced barriers to mainstream education.

About Balfor Education

Balfor Education is a specialist education recruitment agency supporting schools, colleges, alternative provisions and specialist educational settings across the UK. We work closely with education professionals to connect them with suitable teaching and support roles.

Safeguarding Commitment

Balfor Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All successful candidates will be required to complete appropriate safeguarding checks, including an Enhanced DBS check and professional references.