SEMH Teaching Assistant

Veritas Education recruitment ltd; Manchester; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

Veritas Education Recruitment Ltd in Manchester is seeking a dedicated SEMH Teaching Assistant to support pupils with social and emotional needs. You will provide consistent, patient, personalised support to learners who may experience anxiety, low confidence, or behavioural challenges.

The role involves 1:1 and small-group work, collaboration with teachers and SENCO, and safeguarding that promotes inclusive learning.

Qualifications

• Level 2 English and Maths (GCSE 4/C or Functional Skills).
• Experience with children or young people in a school, education, youth work, care, pastoral or support setting.
• Desire to support pupils with SEMH, behavioural difficulties, ADHD or autism.
• Empathetic and resilient approach with the ability to build strong relationships with young people.
• Willingness to undertake relevant training and develop knowledge of SEMH and effective behaviour support strategies.
• Enhanced DBS check is mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality learning, pastoral and emotional support to pupils with SEMH and additional needs.
• Provide targeted 1:1 and small-group support to pupils experiencing anxiety, low confidence, emotional regulation difficulties or behavioural challenges.
• Support pupils with needs including SEMH, ADHD, autism, communication and interaction difficulties, learning difficulties and behavioural needs.
• Help pupils recognise and manage their emotions, identify triggers and develop coping and self-regulation strategies.
• Promote safeguarding, inclusion, equality and high expectations for all pupils.
• Monitor pupils' progress, behaviour, engagement and well-being, providing feedback to staff.
• Work with teachers, the SENCO, pastoral staff and other professionals to implement effective support strategies.

Skills

Empathetic & resilient

Strong communication

Relationship building

Calm under pressure

Support SEMH needs

Education

Level 2 English and Maths (GCSE 4/C or Functional Skills)

Job description

SEMH Teaching Assistant

The Role:

Support pupils with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs to overcome barriers to learning, develop positive relationships and achieve their full potential. As an SEMH Teaching Assistant, you will provide consistent, patient and personalised support to pupils who may experience emotional regulation difficulties, anxiety, low confidence, challenging behaviour or difficulties engaging with education. You will work closely with teachers, the SENCO, pastoral teams, families and other professionals to create a safe, supportive and inclusive learning environment. The role may involve working with pupils on a 1:1 basis, in small groups or within the classroom, as well as supporting pupils during transitions and other aspects of the school day.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality learning, pastoral and emotional support to pupils with SEMH and additional needs. Build positive, trusting and professional relationships with pupils, acting as a consistent and supportive adult.
• Provide targeted 1:1 and small-group support to pupils experiencing anxiety, low confidence, emotional regulation difficulties or behavioural challenges.
• Support pupils with needs including SEMH, ADHD, autism, communication and interaction difficulties, learning difficulties and behavioural needs.
• Help pupils recognise and manage their emotions, identify triggers and develop appropriate coping and self-regulation strategies. Promote positive behaviour by using consistent, calm and supportive approaches in line with school policies and individual behaviour plans.
• Support pupils to develop resilience, confidence, independence, communication skills and positive relationships with peers and adults.
• Encourage pupils to engage positively with learning and help them overcome emotional or behavioural barriers to accessing the curriculum.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, the SENCO, pastoral staff and other professionals to implement effective support strategies.
• Support pupils during lessons, break times, lunch, transitions, school trips and other aspects of the school day as required.
• Provide support during periods of emotional distress or dysregulation, helping pupils to safely return to learning when appropriate.
• Monitor pupils' progress, behaviour, engagement and well-being, providing clear feedback to teaching and pastoral staff.
• Contribute to individual support plans, behaviour plans, risk assessments and EHCP outcomes where appropriate.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records relating to pupil progress, behaviour, interventions and safeguarding. Communicate professionally with parents/carers and relevant professionals where appropriate.
• Recognise and respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns, following school safeguarding procedures and reporting concerns to the designated safeguarding lead.
• Promote safeguarding, inclusion, equality and high expectations for all pupils.

Requirements

• Level 2 English and Maths (GCSE grade 4/C or Functional Skills).
• Previous experience working with children or young people in a school, education, youth work, care, pastoral or support setting.
• A desire to support pupils with SEMH, behavioural difficulties, ADHD or autism.
• Have an empathetic and resilient approach with the ability to build strong relationships with young people.
• The ability to remain calm and professional when supporting pupils experiencing challenging emotions or behaviours.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively as part of a wider school team.
• An understanding of safeguarding and the importance of maintaining professional boundaries.
• A willingness to undertake relevant training and develop knowledge of SEMH and effective behaviour support strategies.
• Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is mandatory. (We can help advise on this.)

Disclaimer

'Nothing within the above advert was in any way designed or intended to discriminate on the grounds of age, gender, race, colour, religion, disability or sexual orientation. Veritas Education is an Equal opportunities employer and is proud in the knowledge that all placements are made on merit and suitability. We accept applications from all sections of the community.'