SEMH Teaching Assistant

Teaching Personnel; Dereham; On-site; GBP 16,000 - 21,000; Full time

Job summary

Teaching Personnel in Dereham are seeking a patient SEMH Teaching Assistant to support pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs in a primary and secondary setting. You will work closely with teachers to implement individual support plans, help regulate emotions, and create a calm, nurturing learning environment.

The ideal candidate has experience with SEMH or SEND, strong behaviour management, excellent communication, and a resilient, empathetic approach.

Qualifications

• Experience with SEMH, SEND or similar support roles.
• Strong behaviour management skills and calm handling of challenging situations.
• Patient, empathetic and resilient approach.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Willingness to obtain Enhanced DBS on Update Service.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils with SEMH needs one-to-one and in small groups.
• Build positive relationships to help pupils feel safe and supported.
• Use de-escalation strategies and positive behaviour management to regulate emotions.
• Promote engagement with learning across primary and secondary ages.
• Support social, emotional and academic development of pupils.
• Collaborate with teaching staff, parents, carers and external professionals.
• Maintain a calm, nurturing, and structured learning environment.

Skills

SEMH experience

Behaviour management

Communication

Empathy & resilience

Job description

SEMH Teaching Assistant | Dereham

Are you a patient, resilient, and caring individual looking to make a real difference in the lives of young people? Do you have experience supporting children and young people with social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs? We are currently recruiting for a dedicated SEMH Teaching Assistant to join a specialist setting in Dereham that supports both primary and secondary-aged pupils through a nurturing and therapeutic approach.

The Role:

As an SEMH Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with pupils who may have experienced significant barriers to education and need additional support to regulate emotions, engage with learning, and build positive relationships. You will play a key role in creating a safe, structured, and inclusive environment where every pupil feels valued and supported to succeed.

Working alongside teachers and pastoral staff, you will help implement individual support plans, encourage positive behaviour, and provide consistent emotional support throughout the school day.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support pupils with SEMH needs on a one-to-one basis and in small groups.
• Build positive, trusting relationships that help pupils feel safe and supported.
• Use de-escalation strategies and positive behaviour management techniques to support pupils in regulating their emotions.
• Promote engagement with learning across both primary and secondary age ranges.
• Support pupils' social, emotional, and academic development.
• Work closely with teaching staff, parents, carers, and external professionals to ensure consistent support.
• Maintain a calm, nurturing, and structured learning environment.

What We're Looking For:

• Experience working with children or young people with SEMH needs, challenging behaviour, SEND, or in a similar support role.
• Strong behaviour management skills and confidence managing challenging situations in a calm and professional manner.
• A patient, empathetic, and resilient approach.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• A genuine passion for supporting young people to overcome barriers to learning and reach their potential.
• Enhanced DBS on the Update Service (or willingness to obtain one).

Why Join Teaching Personnel?

• Access to high-quality CPD training and development opportunities.
• Guaranteed Work Scheme for selected applicants, providing additional peace of mind.
• Competitive weekly pay, including additional pay for longer commutes or extended hours.
• Easy-to-use online systems and timesheets.
• Ongoing support from a dedicated consultant who understands the education sector.

If you're passionate about helping young people thrive and believe in the power of a nurturing, relationship-based approach, we'd love to hear from you.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.
All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.
Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.
We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.
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