SEMH Teaching Assistant

Senploy; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 21,000; Full time

Job summary

Long Term Futures is seeking a confident SEMH Teaching Assistant to join a welcoming primary school in the Birmingham area to support pupils with SEMH needs. The role involves 1:1 and small-group sessions, helping students develop emotional regulation and positive learning engagement.

You will work with teachers, the SENCO and pastoral staff to implement de-escalation strategies and nurture approaches in a structured environment, starting ASAP.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting pupils with SEMH and challenging behaviour.
• Proven 1:1 support experience.
• Experience in a primary or specialist setting is beneficial.
• Trauma-informed or attachment-aware approaches are advantageous.
• Enhanced DBS and two references are required.

Responsibilities

• Provide targeted 1:1 SEMH and behavioural support to primary-aged pupils.
• Support children with emotional dysregulation, challenging behaviour and additional SEN needs.
• Use positive behaviour management and de-escalation strategies.
• Recognise behavioural triggers and respond calmly to challenging situations.
• Help pupils develop emotional awareness, self-regulation and coping strategies.
• Establish clear boundaries, structured routines and consistent expectations.
• Deliver individual and small-group interventions focused on social and emotional development.
• Support pupils with transitions, classroom routines and engagement with learning.
• Use trauma-informed and attachment-aware approaches where appropriate.
• Encourage independence, confidence and positive relationships.
• Work towards individual support plans, behaviour targets and EHCP outcomes.
• Work closely with class teachers, the SENCO and pastoral support staff.

Skills

SEMH experience

1:1 support

Behaviour management

Primary setting

Job description

SEMH Teaching Assistant - Behaviour & 1:1 Support

- Location: Birmingham, B38

- Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am-3:30pm

- Start Date: ASAP

- Contract: Long-Term

Long Term Futures are seeking a confident, resilient and experienced SEMH Teaching Assistant to join a welcoming and inclusive primary school in the B38 area of Birmingham.

This is a full-time role supporting pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, challenging behaviour and additional special educational needs. You will provide targeted 1:1 and small-group support, helping children develop emotional regulation, manage their behaviour and engage positively with learning.

The successful candidate will have strong SEN and behavioural support experience, with the ability to build trusting relationships, establish consistent boundaries and use effective de-escalation strategies within a nurturing primary school environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide targeted 1:1 SEMH and behavioural support to primary-aged pupils
• Support children with emotional dysregulation, challenging behaviour and additional SEN needs
• Use positive behaviour management and effective de-escalation strategies
• Recognise behavioural triggers and respond calmly to challenging situations
• Help pupils develop emotional awareness, self-regulation and coping strategies
• Establish clear boundaries, structured routines and consistent expectations
• Deliver individual and small-group interventions focused on social and emotional development
• Support pupils with transitions, classroom routines and engagement with learning
• Use trauma-informed and attachment-aware approaches where appropriate
• Encourage independence, confidence and positive relationships
• Work towards individual support plans, behaviour targets and EHCP outcomes
• Work closely with class teachers, the SENCO and pastoral support staff

What the School is Looking For

• Previous experience supporting pupils with SEMH and challenging behaviour
• Strong 1:1 support experience is essential
• Previous experience supporting children with SEN within a primary or specialist setting
• Confidence managing emotional dysregulation and behavioural challenges
• Good understanding of positive behaviour management and de-escalation
• Experience using trauma-informed or attachment-aware approaches would be beneficial
• Knowledge of emotional regulation interventions and nurture-based support
• Experience supporting pupils with ASD, ADHD and additional needs would be advantageous
• Team Teach or other recognised positive behaviour support training would be beneficial
• A calm, resilient and consistent approach
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Available to start ASAP

About the School

• Welcoming and inclusive mainstream primary school in South Birmingham
• Strong commitment to ensuring pupils with additional needs feel valued and included
• Dedicated SEND and pastoral support team, including learning mentors
• Established nurture room providing a calm environment for 1:1 and small-group emotional support
• Uses trauma-informed and attachment-aware approaches to support pupils' wellbeing
• Strong emphasis on positive relationships, emotional literacy and respectful behaviour
• Clear and consistent school expectations focused on being Ready, Respectful and Safe
• Access to targeted interventions supporting social skills, emotional awareness and self-regulation
• Collaborative approach between teaching staff, SENCO, pastoral teams and families
• Part of an established Multi-Academy Trust, providing opportunities for professional development

All applicants must have an enhanced DBS and two references to be considered.

Long Term Futures is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants will be subject to safer recruitment checks including an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.