SEMH Teaching Assistant

Randstad NV; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Permanent contract

Competitive salary

Professional development

Supportive environment

Job summary

Randstad NV in Cambridge is seeking a SEMH Teaching Assistant for a full-time, permanent position. You will support pupils with SEMH needs, trauma backgrounds, or neurodivergent profiles, working with teachers, SENCOs, and pastoral leads to create a safe, structured environment.

The role focuses on building trust, managing behaviours, and delivering 1:1 and small-group support, with EHCPs, de-escalation techniques, and trauma-informed approaches.

Qualifications

• Direct experience supporting SEMH needs or trauma in educational settings.
• Patient, emotionally resilient with strong boundaries.
• De-escalation training is advantageous; training provided.
• Excellent communication and active listening to build trust with learners.
• Enhanced DBS check (or willingness to obtain via Update Service).

Responsibilities

• Deliver 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with SEMH needs.
• Support with emotional regulation, conflict resolution, and engagement.
• Implement EHCPs and positive behaviour strategies with SENCO team.
• Use trauma-informed approaches to manage challenging behaviours.
• Act as a consistent mentor to boost self-esteem and resilience.
• Support pupils during breaks and extracurricular activities; maintain records.

Skills

Progression tracking

Youth work background

Behaviour management

Communication skills

De-escalation techniques

Empathy and resilience

Mentoring ability

Classroom management

Job description

SEMH Teaching Assistant - Cambridge (Permanent Position)

Are you a calm, resilient, and empathetic mentor looking for a stable, long-term opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of vulnerable young people?

We are currently seeking a dedicated Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) Teaching Assistant to join a dynamic, supportive school team in Cambridge on a full-time, permanent basis.

This role is ideal for an individual with a strong pastoral background who excels at building trust, managing complex emotional behaviours, and supporting children who face barriers to learning. You will work closely with classroom teachers, SENCOs, and pastoral leads to create a safe, structured, and nurturing environment where pupils with SEMH needs, trauma backgrounds, or neurodivergent profiles (such as ADHD and ASC) can flourish.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver tailored 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with SEMH needs, assisting them with emotional regulation, conflict resolution, and academic engagement.

• Implement individual Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and positive behaviour management strategies in collaboration with the SENCO and inclusion team.

• Utilise gentle de-escalation techniques and trauma-informed approaches to manage challenging behaviours and diffuse high-anxiety situations.

• Act as a consistent, dependable mentor and positive role model, helping young people build self-esteem, social confidence, and emotional resilience.

• Support pupils during unstructured times (such as breaktimes, lunchtimes, and extracurricular activities) to encourage positive social interactions.

• Maintain detailed, objective records of student progress, emotional triggers, and achievements to present during multi-agency reviews and parent meetings.

What We Look For

• Proven Experience: Direct experience supporting children or young adults with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, complex behaviour, or trauma (in mainstream schools, specialist provisions, alternative provision/PRUs, youth work, or residential care).

• A patient, grounded, and emotionally resilient personality with excellent boundaries and a non-judgemental attitude.

• De-escalation training (e.g., Team Teach, MAPA, or Safety-Net) is highly advantageous, though comprehensive training will be provided.

• Strong communication and active-listening skills, with the ability to establish positive, trusting relationships with disengaged or anxious learners.

• A valid Enhanced DBS check registered on the Update Service (or a willingness to complete one during the recruitment process).

What The School Offers

• Permanent Security: A full-time, contracted role offering long-term stability and career progression within the education sector.

• Competitive Salary: Reflective of your experience, qualifications, and the specialist nature of the role.

• Continuous Professional Development: Access to ongoing specialist training in trauma-informed care, de-escalation, and mental health first aid.

• Supportive Environment: A passionate, collaborative leadership and pastoral team dedicated to staff well-being and student success.

Ready to build a rewarding permanent career in Cambridge?

Transform the educational experience for young people who need it most.

We are strictly committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All candidates will be required to undergo comprehensive vetting, reference checks, and an enhanced DBS disclosure.

experience

Teaching

skills

ability to track progression in attainment,background in youth work,behaviour management,building relationships,classroom management,communication,de-escalation techniques,empathy,experience in administering medication,experience in managing challenging behaviour,experience with autism spectrum disorders,experience with learning difficulties,experience with social emotional mental health,inclusiveness,manual handling,marking,mentor experience,personal care experience,planning,resilience,restraint training,speech and language therapy experience