SEMH Teaching Assistant

Tradewind Recruitment; Colchester; On-site; GBP 11,070 - 16,605; Full time

Job summary

Tradewind Recruitment in Colchester, Essex, is seeking an SEMH Teaching Assistant to support pupils with SEMH needs on a one-to-one basis and in small groups. The role promotes emotional regulation and positive coping strategies within a supportive school environment, starting September 2026.

You will build strong, trusting relationships, help maintain positive behaviour with clear expectations, and support learning across a range of subjects.

Qualifications

• Patient, calm and resilient disposition.
• Genuine passion for supporting children and young people with additional needs.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Excellent teamwork and proactive approach in a school setting.
• Experience with SEMH/SEND or behavioural needs is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils with SEMH needs one-to-one and in small groups.
• Help students regulate emotions and develop coping strategies.
• Build strong, consistent relationships to encourage engagement and trust.
• Promote positive behaviour through structure and clear expectations.
• Support learning across a range of curriculum subjects.
• Collaborate with the school team to ensure pupils receive necessary support.

Skills

Patience

Calm under pressure

Resilience

Excellent communication

Relationship-building

Team player

Experience with SEMH/SEND

Proactive approach

Job description

SEMH Teaching Assistant - Colchester, Essex. Location: Colchester, Essex. Start Date: September 2026. Salary: Competitive daily rate.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils with SEMH needs on a one-to-one basis and in small groups.
• Help students regulate their emotions and develop positive coping strategies.
• Build strong, consistent relationships that encourage engagement and trust.
• Promote positive behaviour through encouragement, structure and clear expectations.
• Support learning across a range of curriculum subjects.
• Work closely with the wider school team to ensure every pupil receives the support they need.

Qualifications

• Is patient, calm and resilient.
• Has a genuine passion for supporting children and young people with additional needs.
• Can remain positive and professional in challenging situations.
• Has excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Is a strong team player with a proactive approach.
• Has experience working with children or young people with SEMH, SEND or behavioural needs (desirable but not essential).

Candidates with backgrounds in education, youth work, sports coaching, residential care, mentoring, psychology, social care or the armed forces are encouraged to apply.

Why This Role

This is an incredibly rewarding opportunity to make a genuine impact on pupils who benefit from positive role models and consistent support. You'll work within a welcoming and experienced team that values professional development and recognises the importance of every member of staff.