SEMH Teaching Assistant

Cover-People; Bolton; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 20,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly pay

CPD and training opportunities

Dedicated consultant

Long-term and permanent opportunities

Job summary

Cover People are recruiting a dedicated SEMH Teaching Assistant to work in a specialist secondary alternative provision in Bolton. You will support students with SEMH needs, helping them re-engage with learning and develop key skills in a nurturing environment.

The role involves supporting pupils in and out of the classroom, delivering personalised activities, and working closely with teachers and support staff to meet individual needs. Prior SEMH/ SEND experience is valued.

Qualifications

• Experience working with SEMH, SEND or challenging behaviour.
• Strong behaviour management and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Support students with SEMH needs in and out of the classroom.
• Build positive relationships to encourage engagement and progress.
• Assist teachers in delivering personalised learning activities.
• Support emotional regulation and behaviour using restorative strategies.
• Encourage independence, resilience and personal development.
• Collaborate with teachers and pastoral staff to meet student needs.

Skills

SEMH experience

Behaviour management

Communication skills

Team Teach training

Job description

SEMH Teaching Assistant
Location: Bolton
Pay Rate: £95–£110 per day DOE
Start Date: September 2026
Contract: Full-time, Monday to Friday

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

Cover People are recruiting a dedicated SEMH Teaching Assistant to work in a specialist secondary alternative provision in Bolton. This rewarding role involves supporting students who have experienced barriers to mainstream education, helping them re-engage with learning, build confidence and develop the skills they need for a successful future. The school prides itself on creating a welcoming, nurturing environment where positive relationships and fresh starts are at the heart of everything they do.

The Role:

• Support students with SEMH needs both in and out of the classroom.
• Build positive, trusting relationships that encourage engagement and progress.
• Assist teachers in delivering personalised learning activities.
• Support students with emotional regulation and behaviour using restorative and positive behaviour strategies.
• Encourage independence, resilience and personal development.
• Work closely with teachers, pastoral staff and external professionals to meet individual student needs.

The Ideal Candidate:

• Previous experience working with children or young people with SEMH, SEND or challenging behaviour.
• A calm, patient and resilient approach.
• Strong behaviour management and communication skills.
• A genuine passion for helping vulnerable young people succeed.
• Team Teach training is desirable but not essential.

Why Choose Cover People?

• Competitive daily pay rates.
• Weekly pay.
• A dedicated consultant supporting you throughout your placement.
• Access to free CPD and training opportunities.
• Opportunities for long‑term and permanent positions.

All pay rates include 12.07% statutory holiday pay where applicable.

Cover People are acting as an employment business on behalf of this school. Successful applicants will be subject to safeguarding and vetting procedures in line with statutory guidance, including an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.

Cover People is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment.