SEMH Teaching Assistant

Teaching Personnel Ltd.; Nelson; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 21,000; Full time

Job summary

Teaching Personnel Ltd. in Nelson is seeking a dedicated SEMH Support Assistant to join a supportive school. You will provide 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with SEMH needs, helping them engage with learning in a calm, structured environment.

The ideal candidate is patient, empathetic and able to build positive relationships with pupils, teachers and pastoral staff. Experience in education or youth work is desirable; qualifications are beneficial but not essential.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children or young people with SEMH or similar needs.
• Patient and empathetic approach.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support for pupils with SEMH needs.
• Develop positive relationships that promote trust, engagement, and confidence.
• Support pupils in managing their emotions, behaviour, and social interactions.
• Implement behaviour support plans and individual learning strategies.
• Encourage participation in learning activities and school life.
• Help create a calm, structured, and positive learning environment.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, SENCOs, pastoral staff, and external professionals.
• Monitor pupil progress and provide feedback to the wider school team.
• Support pupils during breaktimes, transitions, and unstructured periods where required.

Skills

1:1 support

Small-group support

Emotional support

Behaviour management

Communication

Education

Relevant qualifications beneficial

Job description

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate SEMH Support Assistant to join a supportive school team. This rewarding role involves working closely with pupils who have Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, helping them to overcome barriers to learning and achieve their full potential both academically and personally.

The successful candidate will build positive relationships with pupils, provide emotional and behavioural support, and work alongside teachers and other professionals to create a safe, nurturing, and inclusive learning environment.

Job Title: SEMH Support Assistant
Location: Nelson
Salary: £14.25 - £15.50 per hour
Contract Type: Full-Time, Term-Time Only
Start Date: ASAP

About the Role

Key Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support for pupils with SEMH needs.
• Develop positive relationships that promote trust, engagement, and confidence.
• Support pupils in managing their emotions, behaviour, and social interactions.
• Implement behaviour support plans and individual learning strategies.
• Encourage participation in learning activities and school life.
• Help create a calm, structured, and positive learning environment.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, SENCOs, pastoral staff, and external professionals.
• Monitor pupil progress and provide feedback to the wider school team.
• Support pupils during breaktimes, transitions, and unstructured periods where required.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have

• Experience working with children or young people with SEMH, behavioural needs, or additional learning needs.
• A patient, resilient, and empathetic approach.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• The ability to remain calm and professional in challenging situations.
• A genuine passion for supporting vulnerable young people.
• Experience in education, youth work, care, support work, or similar settings is desirable.
• Relevant qualifications are beneficial but not essential.

What We Offer

• A welcoming and supportive school environment.
• Opportunities for professional development and training.
• The chance to make a real difference in the lives of young people.
• Ongoing support from experienced education professionals.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.
All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.
Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.
We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.
For details of our privacy policy, please visit the Teaching Personnel website.