SEMH Teaching Assistant

Supply Desk; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A caring primary school in Milton Keynes is seeking a dedicated SEMH Teaching Assistant to start in January 2026. The successful candidate will work closely with students suffering from social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) challenges, aiming to foster emotional resilience and improve their academic engagement. Responsibilities include supporting personalized learning plans and building strong relationships within a nurturing environment. Training and support for continuous professional development will be provided.

Benefits

Strong focus on emotional wellbeing

Regular CPD and training

Supportive staff team

Opportunities for career progression

Qualifications

• Experience working with children with SEMH and/or SEN is highly desirable.
• Confident in managing challenging behaviour with effective de-escalation techniques.
• Calm, empathetic, and resilient in supporting emotional needs.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils with SEMH needs in class and through targeted interventions.
• Assist in the delivery of personalised learning plans.
• Help pupils develop emotional regulation and positive behaviour strategies.
• Build strong, trusting relationships with pupils to create a safe environment.
• Collaborate with teaching staff, parents, and external agencies.
• Contribute to the review and implementation of behaviour plans.

Skills

Empathy

Classroom management

Teamwork

De-escalation techniques

Emotional regulation

Job description

Job Title: SEMH Teaching Assistant

Location: Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire

Start Date: January 2026

Contract Type: Full-time - Term Time Only

Salary: £90 - £120 per day (dependent on experience)

A caring and inclusive primary school in Milton Keynes is looking for a compassionate and committed SEMH Teaching Assistant to join their team this January. This role is ideal for someone with a genuine passion for supporting children with social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs.

You’ll work closely with pupils who require extra support to manage emotions, build resilience, and fully engage with their learning - both on a one-to-one basis and in small groups.

Responsibilities

• Supporting pupils with SEMH needs in class and through targeted interventions
• Assisting in the delivery of personalised learning plans
• Helping pupils develop emotional regulation and positive behaviour strategies
• Building strong, trusting relationships with pupils to create a safe and nurturing environment
• Collaborating with teaching staff, the SENCO, parents, and external agencies
• Contributing to the review and implementation of behaviour and support plans

Qualifications

• Experience working with children with SEMH and/or SEN (highly desirable)
• Confident in managing challenging behaviour with effective de‑escalation techniques
• Calm, empathetic, and resilient when supporting emotional needs
• A positive, proactive attitude and a strong team player
• An enhanced DBS on the Update Service (or willingness to obtain one)
• Additional training such as Team Teach, trauma‑informed practice, or mental health awareness is a bonus

Benefits

• Join a school with a strong focus on emotional wellbeing and inclusion
• Regular CPD and training to grow your skillset
• Supportive and experienced staff team
• Opportunities to progress into HLTA roles or teacher training in the future

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