SEMH Teaching Assistant

five; Bridgwater; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free specialised training

Free DBS application (refunded after 20 days)

Recommending a friend bonus scheme

Job summary

Five Education in Bridgwater seeks a Teaching Assistant to support children with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. The role involves helping pupils manage emotions, stay engaged, and create a learning environment that encourages growth.

Candidates need to be emotionally resilient, confident communicators, and able to build relationships with children who struggle with trust. Training is provided, and successful applicants must complete necessary checks including a DBS.

Qualifications

• Experience in youth work, care, or support work is valued but not essential.
• Must be able to provide two recent references.
• Must hold a current DBS check or be willing to apply for one.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils throughout the school day to help them stay focused and engaged.
• Help pupils manage emotions, regulate behavior, and remain calm.
• Work with pupils 1:1 or in small groups.
• Adapting learning activities to suit individual needs.
• Create a safe, consistent learning environment.

Skills

Emotionally resilient

Confident communication

Relationship building

Job description

Five Education are recruiting a Teaching Assistant to work in a school supporting children with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs in Bridgwater. This is a rewarding role working with children who may have experienced trauma, have difficulties managing their emotions, or find it challenging to engage in a mainstream classroom environment. Pupils with SEMH needs often require consistent support, clear boundaries, and patient adults who can help them regulate their emotions and develop positive coping strategies.

The Role Will Involve

• Supporting pupils throughout the school day to help them stay focused and engaged
• Helping pupils manage emotions, regulate behaviour, and remain calm during difficult moments
• Working with pupils 1:1 or in small groups
• Adapting learning activities to suit individual needs and abilities
• Creating a safe, consistent, and encouraging environment for learning

Who We're Looking For

• Emotionally resilient and able to remain calm in challenging situations
• Confident, positive, and proactive communicator
• Able to build strong relationships with children who may struggle with trust or emotional regulation
• Previous experience is not essential; backgrounds in youth work, care, mental health, sport, or support work are highly valued

Essential Requirements

Right to work in the UK – we are unable to offer sponsorship or accept Skilled Worker visas. Able to provide two recent references (from the last two years). Hold a current DBS check registered on the Update Service, or be willing to apply for one.*

• Please note, if you do not have a Non-Voluntary Enhanced DBS on the Update Service, we will need to help you process a new one at a cost of £62.70. This will be refunded after 20 days of work with us.

What can Five Education offer you?

• Free specialised training in areas such as Team Teach, Makaton, PMLD/SLD Awareness, Autism Awareness, and more
• Free DBS (refunded when you work 20 days)
• Recommending a friend bonus scheme
• Specialist support and mentoring while you are working

If you think this could be a job for you, please get in touch to find out more from Joseph. We are always available for an informal chat if you want to find out more about whether this role is suited to you.

Pay: Five Education operates a PAYE payroll; this is the most transparent way to be paid with no hidden fees such as admin fee or employer's NI. Please note the pay rate is for illustration and does include holiday pay.

Vetting: Five Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all of the staff we employ to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to undergo checks including reference checks, TRA checks and will need to have a DBS; there will also be an interview.

We welcome and encourage job applications from people of all backgrounds. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as they are currently under‑represented at this level.