SEMH Teaching Assistant

The Grange Academy; Norton-on-Derwent; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

A local educational institution in Norton-on-Derwent is seeking a compassionate SEMH Teaching Assistant to support vulnerable children in a nurturing environment. Responsibilities include leading learning activities and providing emotional support. Strong communication and patience are essential. Ongoing professional development and a collaborative team culture are part of the offer.

Benefits

Ongoing professional development

Supportive team environment

Opportunities for career growth

Qualifications

• Experience working with children with additional needs is desirable.
• Ability to respond positively in challenging situations.
• Understanding of trauma-informed approaches to behaviour or willingness to learn.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils with SEMH needs in a nurturing environment.
• Lead learning activities and provide emotional support.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues and stakeholders.

Skills

Compassionate approach

Strong communication skills

Patience

Creativity

Ability to build trust

Job description

We are seeking a compassionate, flexible and enthusiastic SEMH Teaching Assistant to join our dedicated team and play a vital role in The Hive – our internal alternative provision base here at The Grange Academy.

The post is for 30 hours per week, term time only plus INSET days. The Hive is a nurturing and highly structured learning environment designed to support pupils who face a range of social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs.

Many of our students in The Hive have Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and benefit from tailored support to help them thrive academically, socially and emotionally. This space provides a calm, consistent and highly personalised approach to learning, rooted in strong relationships, emotional regulation and high expectations. As a member of the Hive team, you will work closely with experienced colleagues to create a safe, inclusive and engaging environment that meets the unique needs of each learner.

You will need to be patient, resilient and creative in your approach, with the ability to build trust and respond effectively to pupils who may communicate through behaviour. Whether you are leading learning activities, providing emotional support or helping to maintain daily routines, your work will make a significant difference to the lives of some of our most vulnerable children.

Key Responsibilities and Qualities

• A warm, nurturing and empathetic approach to supporting pupils with SEMH needs
• Experience working with children with additional needs, particularly those with EHCPs (desirable but not essential)
• The ability to stay calm and respond positively in challenging situations
• Strong communication and teamwork skills, with a willingness to collaborate closely with colleagues, families and external agencies
• A creative and flexible mindset, able to adapt plans and approaches to suit individual needs
• A commitment to promoting emotional regulation, wellbeing and inclusion
• High expectations for pupil engagement, behaviour and personal development
• An understanding of trauma‑informed or therapeutic approaches to behaviour (or a willingness to learn)
• A reflective attitude and a desire to make a genuine difference in the lives of vulnerable learners
• Reliability, consistency and a strong sense of professional responsibility

Benefits

• A supportive, passionate and experienced team committed to inclusion and pupil wellbeing
• Ongoing professional development, including training in SEMH, trauma‑informed practice and therapeutic approaches
• A chance to make a tangible difference to the lives of children who need it most
• Regular supervision and guidance to support your professional growth and emotional wellbeing
• A school culture that values care, creativity, teamwork and high expectations
• Close collaboration with skilled teachers, therapists and external professionals
• A welcoming and inclusive environment where every member of staff is valued
• Opportunities to contribute to the development of our provision and the wider life of the school
• A rewarding and varied role, where no two days are ever the same

About The Grange Academy

At The Grange Academy, our motto is ‘Learning for Life’, which underpins everything we do. We focus on developing pupils’ critical thinking, problem‑solving abilities and the skills necessary to adapt in an ever‑changing world. Our curriculum is designed to not only foster academic success but also promote lifelong learning, responsibility and ethical decision‑making. We aim to equip our pupils with the confidence and resilience they need to thrive in the future, helping them grow into responsible, curious and resourceful citizens. Therapeutic Thinking shapes our relationships with students and ensures a positive, supportive learning environment.

As part of the Agora Learning Partnership, we benefit from excellent school improvement support, including participation in peer reviews and collaboration with experienced schools across the Trust. Our commitment to the Agora values – Ambition, Generosity, Optimism, Respect and Adventurousness – shapes everything we do. Our vibrant school community is supported by initiatives such as the Eco Warriors, School Council, House Captains and a focus on sustainability and wellbeing. Pupils are given specialist teaching in music and sports every week, including a range of fantastic extra‑curricular opportunities.

Additional Information

The school is committed to safeguarding children and young people. All posts are subject to satisfactory references and a Disclosing and Barring check. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare all unspent cautions and convictions; and also any adult cautions (simple or conditional), and spent convictions that are not protected as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2020).