SEMH Teaching Assistant

Supply Desk; Eastleigh; On-site; GBP 16,236 - 18,450; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Long-term role

CPD opportunities

Consultant support

Refer a Friend Scheme

Job summary

Supply Desk are recruiting for an SEMH Teaching Assistant to join a specialist school in Southampton from September 2026. You will provide 1:1 and small-group support for pupils with SEMH needs, helping them engage with learning and develop strategies to manage emotions and behavior.

This long-term role has the potential to become permanent, with competitive daily pay (£88-£100) and access to CPD, training and dedicated consultant support throughout your placement.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children or young people in an educational, coaching, care or support setting.
• Understanding of SEMH, SEND or behaviour support strategies.
• Calm, patient and resilient approach.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• An Enhanced DBS on the Update Service or willingness to obtain one.

Responsibilities

• Providing 1:1 and small-group support for students with SEMH needs.
• Supporting pupils who may display challenging behaviour or struggle with emotional regulation.
• Building positive and trusting relationships with students.
• Encouraging engagement, participation and independence in lessons.
• Promoting positive wellbeing, resilience and self-confidence.
• Working collaboratively with teachers, SENCOs and pastoral teams.

Skills

SEMH experience

Teaching background

Communication skills

Emotional regulation

Behaviour support

Education

Enhanced DBS on Update Service

Job description

SEMH Teaching Assistant Specialist School, Southampton

£88 £100 per day (depending on experience)
Location: Southampton
Start Date: September 2026
Hours: 08 30
Contract: Long-Term Potential to Become Permanent

Are you a compassionate and resilient Teaching Assistant looking to make a real difference in the lives of young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs?

Supply Desk are currently recruiting for a dedicated SEMH Teaching Assistant to join a specialist school in Southampton from September 2026. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant, Youth Worker, Sports Coach or Behaviour Support Assistant who is passionate about helping students overcome barriers to learning and achieve their full potential.

About the Role

As an SEMH Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with pupils who require additional emotional, behavioural and educational support. You will provide both classroom-based and 1:1 interventions, helping students to engage positively with learning, build confidence and develop effective strategies for managing their emotions and behaviour.

The successful candidate will play an important role in creating a safe, nurturing and supportive environment where students can thrive academically, socially and emotionally.

What You'll Be Doing

• Providing 1:1 and small-group support for students with SEMH needs.
• Supporting pupils who may display challenging behaviour or struggle with emotional regulation.
• Building positive and trusting relationships with students.
• Encouraging engagement, participation and independence in lessons.
• Supporting the implementation of behaviour support strategies and individual learning plans.
• Working collaboratively with teachers, SENCOs and pastoral teams.
• Promoting positive wellbeing, resilience and self-confidence.
• Helping to maintain a calm, supportive and inclusive learning environment.

About the School

• Specialist provision supporting students with SEMH needs.
• Highly supportive and experienced leadership team.
• Focus on personalised learning and positive relationship-building.
• Excellent training and professional development opportunities.
• Well-resourced environment designed to support student success.
• Easily accessible from Southampton and surrounding areas.
• On-site parking available.

What You'll Need

• Experience working with children or young people in an educational, coaching, care or support setting.
• Understanding of SEMH, SEND or behaviour support strategies.
• A calm, patient and resilient approach.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• The ability to remain positive and professional in challenging situations.
• A genuine passion for supporting vulnerable young people.
• An Enhanced DBS on the Update Service or willingness to obtain one.

Why Work with Supply Desk?

• Competitive daily rates of £88 £100 per day.
• Long-term opportunity with potential for a permanent position.
• Access to a wide range of CPD and training opportunities.
• Dedicated consultant support throughout your placement.
• Opportunities to gain valuable specialist SEN and SEMH experience.
• Refer a Friend Scheme earn up to £150 for successful referrals.