SEMH Teaching Assistant

Balfor Recruitment; Cannock; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 19,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive daily pay

Full-time ongoing role

SEMH/Alternative Provision experience

Job summary

Balfor Recruitment is seeking an experienced SEMH Teaching Assistant to join a specialist SEMH secondary school in Cannock from September 2026. The role focuses on supporting pupils aged 11–19 with SEMH needs in a nurturing, structured environment.

The ideal candidate will have SEMH experience, strong behaviour management, and a passion for helping students overcome barriers to learning and develop essential life skills.

Qualifications

• Experience working with SEMH needs and challenging behaviour.
• Experience in SEMH, AP, PRU or specialist education settings.
• Level 2 or 3 Award in Supporting Teaching and Learning or equivalent is desirable.
• Degree in Psychology or Education would be advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with SEMH needs and challenging behaviour.
• Support students with emotional regulation, resilience and social skills development.
• Assist pupils to overcome barriers to learning and engage with education.
• Adapt lessons and learning resources to meet individual needs.
• Contribute to and implement IEPs, BSPs and risk assessments.
• Maintain a calm, safe classroom environment and build positive relationships.
• Monitor pupil progress and provide feedback to teachers and pastoral staff.

Skills

SEMH experience

Behaviour management

De-escalation skills

Excellent communication

Patience & empathy

Education

Level 2 or Level 3 Award in Supporting Teaching and Learning

Degree in Psychology or Education

Job description

SEMH Teaching Assistant

Job Role: SEMH Teaching Assistant
Location: Cannock, Staffordshire
Duration: Ongoing, Full-Time
Start Date: September 2026
Salary: £95–£100 Per Day

SEMH Teaching Assistant

Are you an experienced and passionate SEMH Teaching Assistant looking for your next opportunity in Cannock? Do you have experience supporting young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, challenging behaviour or within Alternative Provision (AP), PRU or specialist education settings?

Balfor Recruitment is currently recruiting for a dedicated SEMH Teaching Assistant to join a specialist SEMH secondary school in Cannock from September 2026. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant or Behaviour Support Assistant who is passionate about helping young people overcome barriers to learning and achieve their full potential.

As an SEMH Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with teaching staff and pastoral teams to provide tailored support to pupils with a range of SEMH needs. You will help students access education, manage their emotions, develop positive behaviours, build confidence and develop essential life skills.

The School & Role

The school is a specialist setting dedicated to supporting young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs across Key Stages 3, 4 and 5, supporting pupils aged approximately 11–19. They provide a nurturing, structured and supportive learning environment, where individual needs are recognised and pupils receive personalised support to help them re-engage with education, develop positive relationships and achieve strong educational and personal outcomes.

The successful SEMH Teaching Assistant will play an important role in supporting students both academically and pastorally. You will help pupils overcome barriers to learning, manage challenging behaviour and develop the resilience, confidence and social skills needed to succeed.

This role would suit an experienced SEMH Teaching Assistant, PRU Teaching Assistant, Behaviour Support Assistant, Learning Support Assistant or Teaching Assistant with a strong background supporting pupils with challenging behaviour and additional needs.

SEMH Teaching Assistant Responsibilities

As an SEMH Teaching Assistant, your responsibilities will include:

• Providing 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with SEMH needs and challenging behaviour.
• Supporting students with emotional regulation, resilience and the development of positive social skills.
• Helping pupils overcome barriers to learning and engage positively with their education.
• Supporting the class teacher with adapting lessons, activities and learning resources to meet individual needs.
• Contributing to and implementing Individual Education Plans (IEPs), Behaviour Support Plans (BSPs) and risk assessments.
• Encouraging positive behaviour and maintaining a calm, safe and supportive classroom environment.
• Acting as a trusted key adult, developing positive relationships and providing consistent emotional and pastoral support.
• Monitoring and recording pupil progress, engagement and behaviour.
• Providing regular feedback to teachers, pastoral staff and relevant professionals.
• Supporting pupils who display challenging behaviour using appropriate de-escalation and behaviour management techniques.
• Following the school’s behaviour, safeguarding and risk management policies and procedures.
• Working collaboratively with teaching staff, pastoral teams, families and external professionals where appropriate.
• Helping young people develop confidence, independence and essential life skills.

SEMH Teaching Assistant Requirements

The successful candidate will ideally have:

• Previous experience working as an SEMH Teaching Assistant, PRU Teaching Assistant, Behaviour Support Assistant or in a similar role – Essential.
• Experience supporting young people with SEMH needs and challenging behaviour.
• Previous experience working within SEMH, Alternative Provision (AP), PRU or specialist education settings.
• A Level 2 or Level 3 Award in Supporting Teaching and Learning, or equivalent qualification, is desirable.
• A degree in Psychology, Education or a related subject would be advantageous.
• A nurturing, patient and empathetic approach to supporting young people.
• Strong behaviour management and de-escalation skills.
• The ability to remain calm, consistent and professional when managing challenging situations.
• Strong adaptability and resilience when supporting pupils with a range of complex needs.
• Excellent communication skills when working with pupils, teachers, families and external professionals.
• A genuine passion for SEMH education, behaviour support and helping young people achieve their potential.

What You’ll Get in Return

As an SEMH Teaching Assistant working with Balfor Recruitment, you will receive:

• Competitive daily pay of £95–£100 per day.
• A full-time, ongoing opportunity from September 2026.
• The opportunity to gain valuable experience within a specialist SEMH and Alternative Provision setting.
• The chance to make a genuine difference to the lives and education of young people.
• Support from an experienced education recruitment consultant.
• Access to further SEMH Teaching Assistant and education support roles across Cannock and Staffordshire.
• Ongoing support throughout your placement.

We are committed to Safer Recruitment, and all appointments are subject to the required vetting procedures, including a DBS check where applicable.

Balfor Recruitment is an Equal Opportunities Employer.