SEMH Teaching Assistant

TipTopJob; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 20,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly pay

Referral bonus

Love2shop voucher

Job summary

Randstad Education is seeking a dedicated SEMH Teaching Assistant to support pupils with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health needs across local secondary and specialist provision schools in Cambridge. This full-time role focuses on building trust, regulating emotions, and helping students re-engage with learning.

The ideal candidate will bring resilience, empathy, and strong boundaries, with experience in SEMH settings or related roles. An Enhanced DBS and UK Right to Work are required.

Qualifications

• Grounded, proactive SEMH Teaching Assistant with strong boundaries and high emotional intelligence.
• Experience as SEMH Teaching Assistant, youth worker, behaviour support specialist, residential care worker, or mentor is highly advantageous.
• Familiar with de-escalation techniques (e.g., Team Teach, MAPA) desirable but not essential.
• Calm, resilient, and patient attitude with the ability to maintain composure under pressure.
• Strong commitment to safeguarding and trauma-informed support practices.
• Holds an Enhanced DBS check on the Update Service (or readiness to process one).
• Mandatory UK Right to Work (no visa sponsorship available).

Responsibilities

• Targeted 1:to:1 mentoring: provide academic and emotional guidance, breaking down tasks to prevent frustration.
• De-escalation and emotional regulation: use calm communication and positive reinforcement.
• Promote social and life skills: guide pupils in positive relationships and conflict resolution.
• Support classroom integration: help keep pupils focused and re-engaged during lessons.
• Track growth and wellbeing: maintain daily observational logs and collaborate with SENCO and support workers.

Skills

Emotional intelligence

Boundaries

Empathy

Calm under pressure

Safeguarding

Job description

Ask yourself these three questions...

Are you skilled at looking past challenging behaviour to support the child underneath?

Can you remain calm, grounded, and supportive when helping young people navigate emotional hurdles?

Are you looking for a fulfilling SEMH support role where you can truly make a difference?

SEMH Teaching Assistant

Location: Cambridge

Start Date: Immediate / ASAP

Contract: Full:Time / Long:Term

Salary: GBP95 : GBP110 per day (dependent on experience)

Are you a resilient, empathetic professional seeking a meaningful position as an SEMH Teaching Assistant?

Randstad Education is currently seeking a dedicated SEMH Teaching Assistant to support pupils with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health needs across local secondary and specialist provision schools. Working full:time, this role is centered on building trust, regulating emotions, and re:engaging young people who face significant barriers to mainstream learning.

As an SEMH Teaching Assistant, you wont just be helping with coursework:you will serve as a consistent mentor, advocate, and calming presence, helping students develop emotional resilience, self:esteem, and positive behavioural habits.

Key Responsibilities

• Targeted 1:to:1 Mentoring: As a dedicated SEMH Teaching Assistant, you will provide 1:to:1 academic and emotional guidance, breaking down tasks to prevent frustration and overwhelm.
• De:escalation and Emotional Regulation: Use calm communication, active listening, and positive reinforcement to manage challenging behaviour and assist students during sensory or emotional overload.
• Promote Social and Life Skills: Guide pupils in building positive relationships with peers and staff, developing conflict:resolution strategies, and boosting self:confidence.
• Support Classroom Integration: Help keep assigned pupils focused and re:engaged during group lessons, supporting class teachers with structured behavioural boundaries.
• Track Growth and Wellbeing: Maintain daily observational logs and work alongside the SENCO, pastoral team, and external support workers to evaluate student progress.

Candidate Profile

• We are searching for a grounded, proactive SEMH Teaching Assistant with strong boundaries, high emotional intelligence, and non:judgmental empathy.
• Experience as an SEMH Teaching Assistant, youth worker, behaviour support specialist, residential care worker, or mentor is highly advantageous.
• Confident in using de:escalation techniques (e.g., Team Teach, MAPA, or similar training is desirable but not essential).
• Calm, resilient, and patient attitude with the ability to maintain composure under pressure.
• Strong commitment to safeguarding and trauma:informed support practices.
• Holds an Enhanced DBS check on the Update Service (or readiness to process one through Randstad).
• Mandatory UK Right to Work (no visa sponsorship available).

What We Offer

• Competitive Daily Rates: Paid weekly, alongside access to Randstads wide:ranging benefit schemes.
• A Rewarding Role: Enjoy making a real, visible difference in the lives of vulnerable young people every day.
• Referral Scheme: Earn a GBP300 Love2shop voucher by recommending a qualified colleague through our Refer a Friend scheme (T and Cs apply).