SEMH Teaching Assistant

Educato Limited; Manchester; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A local educational organization in Manchester is seeking a passionate SEMH Teaching Assistant to support children with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health needs. This rewarding role involves providing 1:1 assistance, building relationships, and promoting emotional wellbeing among pupils. The organization offers ongoing professional development and a collaborative culture aimed at transforming young lives.

Benefits

Ongoing professional development

Access to 150+ free CPD courses

Supportive school culture

Qualifications

• Experience in supporting children with SEMH or behavioral needs is desirable but not essential.
• Ability to communicate effectively with young people who may struggle to express themselves.
• Understanding of trauma-informed practices.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils 1:1 and in small groups.
• Build trusting relationships with young people.
• Implement emotional regulation strategies.
• Promote self-esteem and resilience.

Skills

Empathy

Emotional resilience

Communication

Calm under pressure

Commitment to inclusion

Job description

Support. Empower. Transform. At Educato, we're looking for a passionate, resilient, and proactive SEMH Teaching Assistant to join our close-knit team and make a real, lasting difference in the lives of children and young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. You will be working as part of a team at the Castlefield Campus, Manchester. You will work with pupils who face some of the biggest challenges—and will help them find their path forward. This isn't just a job—it's a chance to change lives every single day.

What You'll Be Doing

As a SEMH Teaching Assistant, you'll play a vital role in creating a safe, supportive, and engaging learning environment for pupils who may have:

• Experienced trauma or difficult life circumstances
• Diagnosed mental health conditions
• Attachment disorders or behavioural challenges
• Difficulty regulating emotions in traditional classroom settings

Your day-to-day will include:

• Supporting pupils 1:1 and in small groups, helping them access learning and manage their emotions
• Building trusting, respectful relationships with young people
• Helping implement behaviour and emotional regulation strategies
• Working closely with teachers, mentors, and external agencies
• Promoting self-esteem, resilience, and confidence in all learners
• Being a calm, consistent, and positive role model

Person Specification

• Empathetic, emotionally resilient, and calm under pressure
• Experienced in working with children or young people with SEMH, behavioural needs, or in alternative provision (desirable, but not essential)
• A great communicator, especially with pupils who may struggle to express themselves
• Committed to inclusion, equality, and pupil wellbeing
• Comfortable supporting pupils with challenging behaviour, and understands trauma-informed practice
• A team player who values consistency and collaboration

Training and Development

Training in Team Teach, trauma-informed practice, or behaviour support strategies is desirable—but we'll support the right person to develop.

What We Offer

• Ongoing professional development and training opportunities, with access to over 150+ free CPD accredited training courses
• The chance to genuinely transform young lives
• A school culture that's grounded in relationships, compassion, and high expectations