SEMH Teaching Assistant

Supply Desk; Havant; On-site; GBP 16,000 - 18,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Long-term opportunity

Small class sizes

CPD and SEND training

Supportive leadership

Competitive daily rates

Impact on pupils' lives

Job summary

Supply Desk is seeking a compassionate SEMH Teaching Assistant to join a specialist setting in Southampton. You will support children and young people with SEMH needs, helping them build confidence and resilience while reaching their full potential.

Working with teachers and pastoral staff, you will provide tailored support in class and during intervention sessions, making a genuine difference to students who need additional guidance and encouragement.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children or young people in school or care settings.
• Knowledge of SEMH, behaviour support or SEND.
• Calm, patient and resilient approach.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Genuine passion for supporting vulnerable learners.
• DBS Update Service or willingness to obtain one.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small group support for pupils with SEMH needs.
• Promote positive behaviour and emotional regulation strategies.
• Assist with personalised learning activities and intervention programmes.
• Build trusting relationships with pupils to encourage engagement.
• Support teachers in creating a calm, structured learning environment.
• Record pupil progress and communicate effectively with staff.
• Uphold safeguarding and behaviour policies at all times.

Skills

1:1 support

Group support

Behaviour management

Teamwork

Communication

Calm, patient

Tools

DBS Update Service

Job description

SEMH Teaching Assistant

Location: Southampton

Start Date: ASAP / September 2026

Contract Type: Full-Time | Long-Term

Pay Rate: £85 - £100 per day

About the Role

Supply Desk is seeking a compassionate and resilient SEMH Teaching Assistant to join a specialist setting in Southampton. This is an excellent opportunity to support children and young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, helping them build confidence, resilience and positive relationships while achieving their full potential.

Working closely with teachers and pastoral staff, you'll provide tailored support within the classroom and during intervention sessions, making a genuine difference to students who benefit from additional guidance and encouragement.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small group support for pupils with SEMH needs.
• Promote positive behaviour and emotional regulation strategies.
• Assist with personalised learning activities and intervention programmes.
• Build trusting relationships with pupils to encourage engagement.
• Support teachers in creating a calm, structured learning environment.
• Record pupil progress and communicate effectively with staff.
• Uphold safeguarding and behaviour policies at all times.

Candidate Requirements

• Experience working with children or young people (school or care settings desirable).
• Knowledge of SEMH, behaviour support or SEND.
• Calm, patient and resilient approach.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• A genuine passion for supporting vulnerable learners.
• DBS on the Update Service or willingness to obtain one.

What the School Offers

• Long-term opportunity with potential for a permanent position.
• Small class sizes and supportive staffing.
• Ongoing CPD and SEND training.
• Friendly and experienced leadership team.
• Competitive daily rates.
• Rewarding opportunity to positively impact pupils' lives.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All successful applicants will be subject to enhanced DBS checks and safer recruitment procedures.