SEMH Teaching Assistant

Teaching Personnel; Havant; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

Teaching Personnel seeks a Learning Support Assistant for a SEMH provision in Portsmouth. You will provide in-class and 1:1 support for pupils aged 10–16 with SEMH needs, helping them manage emotions and engagement with learning.

The role offers full-time, term-time hours with temporary-to-permanent opportunities and full training. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with teachers and SEN staff in a highly structured environment focused on emotional regulation and positive

Qualifications

• Applicants with transferable experience from behaviour support, youth work, care or residential settings, mental health services, or family support are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Provide in‑class and 1:1 support for pupils with SEMH needs
• Support students in managing emotions, behaviour, and engagement with learning
• Implement behaviour support strategies and individual support plans
• Work collaboratively with teachers, SEN staff, and external professionals
• Contribute to a safe, structured, and supportive learning environment

Job description

September Vacancy – Learning Support Assistant
SEMH Specialist Provision (Ages 10–16)

Location: Portsouth
Hours: Full-time | Term time only
Temporary-to-permanent opportunities available

A specialist SEMH provision in the Portsmouth area is seeking committed, resilient, and compassionate Learning Support Assistants to join its dedicated team.

This setting supports pupils aged 10–16 with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, often alongside additional learning difficulties, autism spectrum conditions, attachment needs, and speech and communication challenges.

Pupils may present with challenging behaviour. The provision offers a highly structured, consistent, and supportive environment focused on emotional regulation, positive relationships, and re‑engagement with education.

As a Learning Support Assistant, you will:

• Provide in‑class and 1:1 support for pupils with SEMH needs

• Support students in managing emotions, behaviour, and engagement with learning

• Implement behaviour support strategies and individual support plans

• Work collaboratively with teachers, SEN staff, and external professionals

• Contribute to a safe, structured, and supportive learning environment

This role is particularly suited to candidates who:

• Have experience supporting children or young people, ideally within an SEMH, behaviour, or alternative provision setting

• Can remain calm, patient, and consistent when supporting challenging behaviour

• Are committed to supporting young people with complex emotional and behavioural needs

• Demonstrate resilience, reliability, and the ability to work effectively as part of a team

Applicants with transferable experience from behaviour support, youth work, care or residential settings, mental health services, or family support are encouraged to apply. Full training and ongoing professional development will be provided.

• A supportive and collaborative staff team

• A specialist SEMH environment focused on emotional development and positive behaviour

• Ongoing training and professional development, including behaviour management strategies

• Temporary‑to‑permanent opportunities with long‑term progression potential

In line with safeguarding requirements, all applicants must hold an Enhanced DBS certificate for the Child Workforce registered on the Update Service, or be willing to apply for one.

This is a rewarding opportunity for individuals seeking a September start supporting young people aged 10–16 within a specialist SEMH setting.

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.
For details of our privacy policy, please visit the Teaching Personnel website.