SEMH Teaching Assistant

Teaching Personnel; Darwen; On-site; GBP 12,915 - 18,450; Full time

Job summary

Teaching Personnel in Darwen, Lancashire, is seeking a dedicated SEMH Teaching Assistant to support students with SEMH needs across Key Stages 3 and 4. The role is full-time and term-time only, starting after October half-term (November 2026) within a mainstream secondary school.

The successful candidate will provide one-to-one and small group support, help manage emotions and behaviour, work with teachers and SEN staff, and contribute to a safe, engaging learning environment.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children or young people with SEMH or additional learning needs.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Patience, empathy and resilience in challenging situations.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting welfare of young people.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-to-one and small group support for students with SEMH needs.
• Support students in managing emotions, behaviour and engagement in lessons.
• Collaborate with teachers, pastoral teams and SEN staff.
• Help implement behaviour support and intervention strategies.
• Encourage positive social interactions and emotional development.
• Monitor and report on student progress and wellbeing.
• Support students in classroom and alternative learning environments as required.

Job description

SEMH Teaching Assistant

Darwen, Lancashire | Mainstream Secondary School
Full-Time | Starting After October Half-Term (November 2026)
Competitive Daily Rate | Term-Time Only

Are you passionate about supporting young people to overcome barriers to learning and achieve their full potential?

We are seeking a dedicated and resilient SEMH Teaching Assistant to join a welcoming and inclusive mainstream secondary school in Darwen, Lancashire, from after the October half-term break. This is a full-time, term-time position supporting students with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs across Key Stages 3 and 4.

The Role

As an SEMH Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with students who require additional emotional and behavioural support to access learning successfully. You will build positive relationships, promote engagement, and help create a safe and supportive environment where students can thrive both academically and personally.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing one-to-one and small group support for students with SEMH needs.
• Supporting students in managing their emotions, behaviour and engagement in lessons.
• Working collaboratively with teachers, pastoral teams and SEN staff.
• Helping to implement behaviour support and intervention strategies.
• Encouraging positive social interactions and emotional development.
• Monitoring and reporting on student progress and wellbeing.
• Supporting students both within the classroom and in alternative learning environments where required.

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for someone who:

• Has experience working with children or young people with SEMH, behavioural, or additional learning needs.
• Possesses excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Demonstrates patience, empathy and resilience.
• Can remain calm and professional in challenging situations.
• Has a proactive and positive approach to supporting students.
• Is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people.

Experience in education, youth work, residential care, mentoring, coaching, social care, or similar environments would be highly advantageous.