SEMH Teaching Assistant

Long-term Teachers Ltd; Devon and Torbay; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Welcome bonus £200 for qualified staff

Refer a friend £150 after 10 days of 0

PAYE or Umbrella PAYE

Guaranteed pay scheme

Interview preparation and onboarding

Free professional development courses

Job summary

Long-term Teachers Ltd. is seeking a dedicated 1:1 SEMH Teaching Assistant in Plymouth to support a student with SEMH needs within an alternative education setting. The role balances core academic learning with personalised 1:1 support, helping the student engage, build confidence and independence.

The position starts as temporary with the potential to become permanent. A comprehensive induction and ongoing training are provided, including behaviour support and safeguarding.

Qualifications

• Patient, resilient, and passionate about supporting young people.
• Experience as TA, SEN TA, Learning Support Assistant or related roles is valued.
• GCSE Maths and English at Grade 4 or above is essential.
• Full, clean UK driving licence and access to own vehicle are essential.

Responsibilities

• Provide consistent 1:1 support to a student with SEMH needs.
• Support core academic learning and help the student engage with education.
• Build a positive, trusting relationship and become a constant source of support.
• Encourage confidence, resilience, emotional regulation, and independence.
• Support positive behaviour through calm, consistent approaches.
• Assist with practical learning, enrichment and outreach activities as needed.
• Support community activities and wider learning environment.
• Communicate effectively with teachers and the wider team about progress and needs.
• Complete basic records and contribute to ongoing support.

Skills

Patience

Resilience

Communication skills

Relationship-building

Calm approach

Commitment to helping young people

Education

GCSE Grade 4+ Maths and English

Tools

Enhanced DBS Update Service

Job description

1:1 SEMH Teaching Assistant

Location: Plymouth, Devon

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30am–3:00pm

Start Date: 9th November 2026

Contract: Full-time, term-time only – temporary to permanent opportunity

Pay: £108 per day

Are you an experienced Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant or SEN professional looking for a rewarding role where building relationships is at the heart of what you do?

We are recruiting for a 1:1 SEMH Teaching Assistant to support a young person with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs within a supportive and engaging alternative education setting.

This role offers a great balance between core academic learning and 1:1 support, alongside opportunities to get involved in outreach and practical activities within the wider community. You'll play an important role in helping the student engage with education, build confidence and develop the skills they need to become more independent.

The role will initially be temporary, with the school looking for the successful candidate to transition into a permanent position. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone looking to build a long-term future within a setting where relationships, consistency and personal development are key.

The Role

As a 1:1 SEMH Teaching Assistant, you will:

• Provide consistent 1:1 support to a student with SEMH needs.
• Support core academic learning and help the student engage with their education.
• Build a positive, trusting relationship and become a consistent source of support.
• Encourage confidence, resilience, emotional regulation and independence.
• Support positive behaviour through calm, consistent and relationship-based approaches.
• Assist with practical learning, enrichment and occasional outreach activities.
• Support activities within the community and wider learning environment.
• Communicate effectively with teachers and the wider team regarding the student's progress and needs.
• Complete basic records and contribute to the student's ongoing support.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for someone who is patient, resilient and genuinely passionate about supporting young people.

You may have experience as a:

Teaching Assistant | SEN TA | Learning Support Assistant | Youth Worker | Behaviour Support Worker | Sports Coach | Care Worker

Previous experience working with SEMH or SEN is highly desirable, although relevant experience supporting children or young people in other settings will also be considered.

You will need:

• A calm, patient and positive approach.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• The resilience to support young people who may display challenging behaviour.
• A genuine commitment to helping young people achieve their potential.
• GCSE Grade 4 or above in Maths and English – essential.
• A full, clean UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle – essential.
• Business-use motor insurance, or willingness to obtain this before starting – essential.
• An Enhanced DBS on the Update Service would be ideal.

Full Training Provided

You don't need to have every qualification or piece of training already in place. A comprehensive week-long induction will be provided before you start, including:

• Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC) training.
• CPI Positive Behaviour Intervention training.
• Emergency First Aid.
• Health and Safety.
• Safeguarding.
• Role-specific induction and support.

The Benefits of Joining Long-term Teachers

• If you're looking for a long-term or permanent role, we're the only specialist agency dedicated to finding you your next role.
• Exclusive access to permanent roles you won't find with supply agencies.
• A £200 welcome bonus for qualified Teachers joining from another agency.
• £150 'refer a friend' reward once they complete 10 days of work.
• The choice between PAYE or Umbrella PAYE.
• Access to a guaranteed pay scheme, subject to eligibility.
• Interview preparation and expert advice.
• A dedicated team to guide you through your onboarding.
• Free professional development courses to enhance your skills and knowledge.

Long-term Teachers are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants will be subject to appropriate safeguarding and pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check and relevant references.

If you're looking for your next role in education and would love the opportunity to make a real difference while working towards a permanent position, we'd love to hear from you.