SEMH Teaching Assistant

GSL Education - Manchester; Manchester; On-site; GBP 18,450 - 22,140; Full time

Job summary

GSL Education - Manchester is hiring a dedicated SEMH Teaching Assistant to support children facing social, emotional, and mental health challenges in a primary school setting in Manchester.

The role involves one-to-one support, creating safe spaces, and small-group interventions to help pupils build confidence and manage emotions, in line with school routines and collaboration with staff.

Qualifications

• Proven SEMH experience supporting children or young people with social, emotional, and mental health needs.
• Enhanced DBS check on Update Service or willingness to apply for a new one.
• Naturally empathetic, patient, and able to build trust with pupils.
• Resilient, adaptable, and able to stay calm under pressure.

Responsibilities

• One-to-one support with pupils needing help managing emotions and behaviours.
• Create safe space and implement positive behaviour plans.
• Run small-group interventions for social skills, self-esteem, and emotional regulation.
• Collaborate with class teachers, SENCo, and external specialists for consistent routines.

Skills

SEMH Experience

Enhanced DBS

Empathy & Patience

Adaptability

Job description

• Location: Manchester (M22 area Wythenshawe / Northenden)

• Role Type: Full-time, Long-term (Term-time only)

• Start Date: September 2026

• Salary: £100 £120 per day (dependent on experience)

Are you passionate about making a real difference in a child s life? Do you have a calm, patient, and resilient nature?

An inclusive, supportive primary school in the M22 area is looking for a dedicated SEMH Teaching Assistant to join their close-knit team. This role is focused on supporting children who face social, emotional, and mental health challenges, helping them build confidence, manage their emotions, and engage happily with their learning.

What the Role Involves:

• One-to-One Support: Working closely with specific pupils who need extra support managing their emotions and behaviors in and out of the classroom.

• Creating a Safe Space: Designing and implementing positive behavior plans, helping children de‑escalate when they feel overwhelmed.

• Building Confidence: Running small‑group interventions focused on social skills, self‑esteem, and emotional regulation.

• Collaboration: Working hand‑in‑hand with the class teachers, SENCo, and external specialists to ensure the pupils have a consistent, supportive routine.

Essential Requirements:

• Proven SEMH Experience: You must have hands‑on experience supporting children or young people with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health needs (such as ADHD, anxiety, trauma, or attachment difficulties).

• Enhanced DBS Check: You must hold a valid Enhanced DBS on the Update Service (or be willing to apply for a new one immediately).

• Naturally Empathetic & Patient: You understand that "challenging behavior" is often communication, and you approach pupils with kindness and curiosity.

• Resilient & Adaptable: No two days are the same, and you can stay calm under pressure.

Why Join This School?

• A Supportive Environment: A leadership team that genuinely prioritizes staff well‑being and offers continuous professional development (CPD) and training.

• Great Community Vibe: Located in the heart of M22 with excellent transport links (bus, tram, and easy access to the M56/M60) and free on‑site parking.

• Rewarding Work: The chance to see the tangible, positive impact of your support on a young person's life every single day.