SEMH Teaching Assistant

Teaching Personnel; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Job summary

Teaching Personnel in Portsmouth is seeking a dedicated Teaching Assistant to support students with SEMH needs in a specialist educational setting. You will work closely with teachers to provide tailored support, helping pupils manage emotions and behaviours and develop confidence.

The role involves one-to-one and small group support, creating a nurturing learning environment and collaborating with parents and professionals to track progress. Term-time, full-time contract with competitive pay.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children or young people, ideally with SEMH/SEND or challenging behaviour.
• Patient, empathetic, and resilient approach.
• Ability to remain calm in challenging situations and communicate effectively.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-to-one and small group support in the classroom.
• Build positive relationships with students and staff.
• Support pupils in managing emotions and behaviours using positive strategies.
• Encourage engagement, independence and personal development.
• Assist with lesson preparation and classroom activities.
• Collaborate with teachers, parents and external professionals to support progress.

Skills

Patience

Empathy

Resilience

Communication

Safeguarding

Education

Teaching Assistant qualification (desirable)

Job description

Teaching Assistant – SEMH Provision

Location: Portsmouth • Contract: Full-time | Term Time Only

Are you passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of young people? We are seeking a dedicated and resilient Teaching Assistant to join a specialist educational setting in Portsmouth, supporting students with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. This is a rewarding opportunity to help young people overcome barriers to learning, build confidence, and achieve their full potential.

The Role

As a Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with teachers and pastoral staff to provide tailored support for students with SEMH needs. You will help create a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment where every student feels valued and supported.

• Providing one-to-one and small group support within the classroom.
• Building positive, trusting relationships with students.
• Supporting pupils in managing their emotions and behaviours using positive behaviour strategies.
• Encouraging engagement, independence, and personal development.
• Assisting with lesson preparation and classroom activities.
• Working collaboratively with teachers, parents, and external professionals to support student progress.

About You

• Has experience working with children or young people, ideally those with SEMH, SEND or challenging behaviour.
• Is patient, empathetic, and resilient.
• Can remain calm and confident in challenging situations.
• Has excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
• Holds a Teaching Assistant qualification (desirable but not essential).
• Has experience in education, youth work, care or support work (advantageous).

What We Offer

• A supportive and welcoming team environment.
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities.
• The chance to make a genuine impact on young people’s lives.
• A rewarding role where no two days are the same.
• Competitive rates of pay.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. 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’ and 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.