SEMH Teaching Assistant

Aspire People; Oldham; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

Aspire People are currently recruiting an SEMH Teaching Assistant for a full-time role in Oldham. You will support students with social, emotional, and mental health needs, helping to regulate emotions, build resilience, and participate in lessons with teachers and pastoral staff.

The role requires calm, patient approach, good behaviour management, and commitment to safeguarding checks. A supportive team and structured environment await the successful candidate.

Qualifications

• Experience working with young people in school or youth settings.
• Background in SEMH or behaviour support preferred.
• Willingness to complete safeguarding checks and recruitment checks.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils with SEMH needs inside and outside the classroom.
• Assist in managing behaviour using agreed strategies and approaches.
• Act as a consistent and positive adult role model.
• Help pupils develop coping strategies and emotional awareness.
• Encourage participation in lessons and structured activities.
• Support transitions and unstructured parts of the school day.
• Work closely with teachers and wider support staff.

Skills

SEMH experience

Behaviour support

Communication

Job description

SEMH Teaching Assistant - Oldham

A specialist SEMH school in Oldham is looking to recruit a committed and proactive Teaching Assistant to support pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs. The school caters for young people who require additional support beyond a mainstream setting, often due to behavioural challenges, previous exclusions or difficulty managing emotions within the classroom.

This is a rewarding opportunity for someone who is confident working in a structured yet dynamic environment, where building relationships and consistency are key to pupil success.

You will support pupils throughout the school day, working closely with teaching and pastoral staff to promote engagement, emotional regulation and positive behaviour. Pupils may require 1:1 support or work in small groups, depending on their individual needs. The role requires a calm, patient approach and the ability to respond effectively to challenging situations. Establishing trust and maintaining clear boundaries will be fundamental to your success.

Key Responsibilities

• Support pupils with SEMH needs both inside and outside the classroom
• Assist in managing behaviour using agreed strategies and approaches
• Act as a consistent and positive adult role model
• Help pupils develop coping strategies and emotional awareness
• Encourage participation in lessons and structured activities
• Support transitions and unstructured parts of the school day
• Work closely with teachers and wider support staff

We are keen to hear from candidates with backgrounds in:

• SEMH or behaviour support settings
• Pupil Referral Units or Alternative Provisions
• Youth Work, mentoring or outreach roles
• Care, support work or community‑based roles
• Schools or educational environments

The successful candidate will:

• Be resilient and confident in managing behaviour
• Communicate effective with young people and staff
• Remain calm and consistent in challenging situations
• Build strong working relationships with pupils
• Be committed to supporting long‑term positive outcomes

Requirements

• Full‑time availability, Monday to Friday
• Experience working with young people
• A reliable and adaptable approach
• Willingness to complete safeguarding and recruitment checks

Aspire People Limited provides services as an Education Agency and an Education Employment Business. Aspire People is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and expects every candidate to share this commitment. Placements are subject, to appropriate Child Protection screening, including checks with former employers and the Disclosure and Barring Checks.