SEMH Teaching Assistant

Tradewind Recruitment; Leicester; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

Tradewind Recruitment is recruiting a dedicated SEMH Teaching Assistant to join a specialist education provider in Leicester from August 2026. This is a full-time, term-time-only role with a competitive salary and opportunities for professional development.

You will provide one-to-one and small group support for pupils with SEMH needs, build positive relationships with students and staff, and help implement individual plans to promote learning, safety and emotional wellbeing.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting pupils with SEMH or similar needs.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Calm, patient, resilient with a positive approach.
• Relevant qualification or transferable experience in education, youth work, care or support services.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-to-one and small group support for SEMH pupils.
• Promote positive behaviour and emotional wellbeing.
• Support teachers and pastoral staff with individual plans.
• Help create a safe, inclusive learning environment.
• Encourage confidence, resilience and independence in students.
• Collaborate with SENCOs and staff to implement strategies.

Skills

Empathy

Patience

Communication

Behaviour management

Education

Relevant qualification in education/youth work

Job description

SEMH Teaching Assistant - Leicester

Location: Leicester

Salary: Competitive

Job Type: Full-time | Term Time Only

Start Date: August 2026

Are you passionate about supporting young people and helping them overcome barriers to learning? We are recruiting on behalf of a specialist education provider in Leicester for a dedicated SEMH Teaching Assistant to join their team from August 2026.

This rewarding role involves supporting pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, many of whom may present with challenging behaviour. You will work closely with teaching staff to provide consistent support, promote positive behaviour, and help students achieve both academically and personally.

The Role

• Provide one-to-one and small group support for pupils with SEMH needs.
• Build positive, trusting relationships that encourage engagement and emotional wellbeing.
• Use positive behaviour management techniques to support students displaying challenging behaviour.
• Help create a safe, inclusive, and nurturing learning environment.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, SENCOs, and pastoral staff to implement individual support and behaviour plans.
• Encourage pupils to develop confidence, resilience, and independence both inside and outside the classroom.

About You

• Has experience working with children or young people with SEMH needs, autism, ADHD, or challenging behaviour (preferred but not essential).
• Is calm, patient, resilient, and able to remain positive in challenging situations.
• Has excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Is passionate about making a genuine difference in the lives of vulnerable young people.
• Holds a relevant qualification or has transferable experience in education, youth work, care, or support services.

What You’ll Receive

• Competitive pay rates.
• Full-time, term-time-only position.
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities.
• A supportive school environment with experienced staff.
• The opportunity to secure a long-term or permanent position.
• A rewarding career where you can positively impact the lives of young people every day.