SEMH Teaching Assistant

New Directions Holdings Limited; Leeds; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 21,000; Full time

Job summary

New Directions Education in Leeds is seeking a dedicated SEMH Teaching Assistant to support pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs across schools and specialist provisions. You will help students access learning, manage emotions and build confidence, often on a one-to-one basis or in small groups.

You will work closely with teachers and pastoral teams to implement behaviour strategies and learning plans, ensuring a calm, inclusive environment that fosters engagement and wellbeing

Qualifications

• Previous experience working with children or young people with SEMH needs.
• Experience within a school, alternative provision, youth work, care or support setting.
• Strong behaviour management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• A patient, resilient and empathetic approach.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-to-one and small group support for students with SEMH needs
• Build positive, trusting relationships with pupils to encourage engagement and progress
• Support students with emotional regulation and social development
• Assist in implementing behaviour support strategies and individual learning plans
• Promote positive behaviour and encourage participation in lessons
• Work closely with teachers, SENCOs and pastoral teams to support student outcomes
• Monitor and record progress, behaviour and wellbeing
• Help create a calm, safe and inclusive learning environment

Skills

SEMH experience

Behaviour management

Communication skills

Empathy

Job description

New Directions Education is currently seeking a dedicated, resilient and compassionate SEMH Teaching Assistant to work within schools and specialist provisions across the Leeds area.

This rewarding role is ideal for individuals who are committed to helping students overcome barriers to learning and achieve success both inside and outside the classroom. You will support pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, helping them build confidence, develop positive relationships, and engage meaningfully in education.

About the Role

As an SEMH Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with students who may experience challenges with emotional regulation, behaviour, anxiety, trauma, attachment difficulties or other additional needs. You will provide tailored support to help students access learning, manage their emotions and reach their full potential.

The role may involve supporting pupils on a one-to-one basis, leading small group interventions, and assisting teachers in creating a safe, nurturing and engaging learning environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide one-to-one and small group support for students with SEMH needs
• Build positive, trusting relationships with pupils to encourage engagement and progress
• Support students with emotional regulation and social development
• Assist in implementing behaviour support strategies and individual learning plans
• Promote positive behaviour and encourage participation in lessons
• Work closely with teachers, SENCOs and pastoral teams to support student outcomes
• Monitor and record progress, behaviour and wellbeing
• Help create a calm, safe and inclusive learning environment

Essential Requirements

• Previous experience working with children or young people with SEMH needs
• Experience within a school, alternative provision, youth work, care or support setting
• Strong behaviour management skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities
• A patient, resilient and empathetic approach
• Ability to remain calm in challenging situations
• Enhanced DBS on the Update Service (or willingness to obtain one)

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Experience supporting students with Autism, ADHD or additional learning needs
• Team Teach or other positive behaviour management training
• Understanding of trauma-informed practice
• Knowledge of safeguarding and child protection procedures

Why Choose a Career in SEMH?

Supporting students with SEMH needs can be one of the most rewarding careers in education. Every day presents an opportunity to help a young person build confidence, develop resilience and achieve goals they may never have thought possible. Your support could be the difference that enables a student to re-engage with learning and thrive.