SEMH Teaching Assistant

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive daily rates

Weekly pay

Refer a Friend scheme: £300 voucher

Job summary

Randstad Education in Cambridge is seeking an SEMH Teaching Assistant to support pupils with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health needs. The role is full-time, long-term, and involves building trust, regulating emotions, and helping students re-engage with learning.

You will mentor students, implement de-escalation strategies, track wellbeing, and collaborate with teachers and support staff to maintain positive behavioural boundaries. DBS and Right to Work are essential requirements.

Qualifications

• Experience as an SEMH Teaching Assistant or related youth support role is advantageous.
• Strong safeguarding principles and trauma-informed support practices.
• UK Right to Work is mandatory (no visa sponsorship).

Responsibilities

• Targeted 1-to-1 mentoring and emotional guidance for pupils.
• De-escalation and emotional regulation to manage challenging behaviour.
• Promote social and life skills; support classroom integration and boundaries.
• Track pupil wellbeing and progress with the SENCO and pastoral team.

Skills

SEMH Teaching Assistant

Youth worker

Behaviour support

Calm under pressure

Empathy

Education

Enhanced DBS check

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: £95 - £110 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 won't 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 & Emotional Regulation: Use calm communication, active listening, and positive reinforcement to manage challenging behaviour and assist students during sensory or emotional overload.

• Promote Social & 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 & 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 Randstad's 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 £300 Love2shop voucher by recommending a qualified colleague through our Refer a Friend scheme (T&Cs apply).