SEMH Teaching Assistant

Teaching Personnel; Ashford; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

Teaching Personnel are seeking an experienced SEMH Teaching Assistant to join a dedicated SEN unit in Ashford. This hands-on role offers a rewarding path with the potential to become permanent for the right candidate.

This role involves supporting SEMH students, building positive relationships, and collaborating with teachers to create a safe, engaging learning environment where pupils can thrive. A proactive, resilient approach and a passion for helping young people are essential.

Qualifications

• Previous SEMH setting or additional needs experience.
• Strong behaviour management and a calm, patient approach.
• Ability to build rapport and establish positive relationships quickly.
• Resilience and adaptability in a dynamic school environment.
• Genuine passion for supporting young people to reach their potential.

Responsibilities

• Supporting students with SEMH needs on a one-to-one and small group basis
• Building positive relationships and acting as a trusted role model
• Encouraging engagement and participation in learning activities
• Supporting behaviour management strategies and emotional regulation
• Working collaboratively with teachers and wider staff members to meet individual student needs
• Helping students develop confidence, independence and life skills

Skills

SEMH experience

Behaviour management

Relationship building

Resilience

Adaptability

Job description

SEMH/SEN Teaching Assistants Required

Location: Ashford
Contract: Full-Time | Temporary with Permanent Opportunity
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience

Teaching Personnel are currently seeking an experienced and enthusiastic SEMH Teaching Assistant to join a dedicated SEN unit based in Ashford. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about making a real difference to young people's lives and is looking for a rewarding role with the potential to become permanent for the right candidate.

We are looking for someone who has strong experience working with children or young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs and who is happy to fully immerse themselves in the role. This is a hands‑on position that requires someone who is proactive, resilient and willing to get stuck in with all aspects of supporting students both inside and outside the classroom.

The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting students with their educational, emotional and social development, helping to create a positive and engaging learning environment where pupils can thrive.

The role will involve:

• Supporting students with SEMH needs on a one-to-one and small group basis
• Building positive relationships and acting as a trusted role model
• Encouraging engagement and participation in learning activities
• Supporting behaviour management strategies and emotional regulation
• Working collaboratively with teachers and wider staff members to meet individual student needs
• Helping students develop confidence, independence and life skills

The ideal candidate will have:

• Previous experience working within an SEMH setting or with students with additional needs
• Strong behaviour management skills and a calm, patient approach
• The ability to build rapport and establish positive relationships quickly
• Resilience, adaptability and a willingness to get involved
• A genuine passion for supporting young people and helping them achieve their potential

In return, Teaching Personnel can offer ongoing support, competitive pay and the opportunity to secure a permanent position if successful.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ's 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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