SEMH Teaching Assistant

Vision for Education Ltd; Preston; On-site; GBP 13,000 - 20,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Daily PAYE rates

Guaranteed pay scheme

Social and networking events

Pension contributions

CPD to help with your professional发展

Dedicated consultant

Job summary

Vision for Education Ltd is seeking a dedicated SEMH Teaching Assistant to support secondary pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs in Preston, Lancashire. The role is based in a specialist provision and runs from September 2026, with potential for a permanent opportunity in 2027.

You will work 1:1 and in small groups, helping students engage with learning, build confidence, and develop emotional regulation, resilience and independent skills under guidance from teaching staff.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting children with SEMH, including autism, and trauma-related needs.
• Previous experience in SEMH, SEND or alternative provision is advantageous.
• Ability to build positive relationships and promote positive behaviour.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support to engage pupils in learning.
• Support pupils to develop confidence and emotional regulation and independence.
• Collaborate with teaching staff to help pupils achieve individual goals.

Job description

SEMH Teaching Assistant - Preston, Lancashire

Vision for Education is seeking a dedicated and resilient SEMH Teaching Assistant to work within a specialist secondary alternative provision in Preston, Lancashire from September 2026. This rewarding SEMH Teaching Assistant role in Preston, Lancashire is expected to continue for the full 2026/27 academic year, with the potential for a permanent opportunity in 2027 for the right candidate.

The Role

The successful SEMH Teaching Assistant in Preston, Lancashire will work with secondary-aged children with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, including those with autism, within a specialist alternative provision. Working closely with teaching staff, you will provide tailored support on both a 1:1 basis and in small groups, helping pupils to engage positively with learning, develop positive relationships and achieve their individual goals.

This SEMH Teaching Assistant role in Preston, Lancashire requires someone who can build positive, trusting relationships whilst maintaining clear boundaries and promoting positive behaviour. You will adapt your approach to meet individual needs, supporting pupils to develop their confidence, emotional regulation and independence both inside and outside the classroom.

Experience supporting children or adults with autism, associated behavioural difficulties or trauma-related needs is highly desirable. Previous experience working within an SEMH, SEND or alternative provision setting would be advantageous, although candidates with relevant transferable skills are encouraged to apply.

The School

This SEMH Teaching Assistant position is based within a specialist secondary alternative provision in Preston, Lancashire that supports pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, including those with autism. The school provides a structured, nurturing environment where pupils receive personalised support to help them overcome barriers to learning, improve attendance and develop the skills needed for future success.

The school was judged to be Good at its most recent Ofsted inspection, with inspectors highlighting the positive relationships between staff and pupils, the ambitious curriculum and the effective support provided to help pupils achieve positive outcomes. Staff work collaboratively to create a calm, inclusive environment where pupils feel safe, respected and encouraged to succeed.

What we offer

As part of our team, you benefit from:

• Excellent daily rates paid using the PAYE system. (Daily rate is subject to your scale rate, experience in role and qualifications which will be discussed at the point of registration.)


• Guaranteed pay scheme (subject to availability).


• Social and networking events.


• Pension contributions.


• CPD to help with your professional development.


• Access to a dedicated consultant.

About us

We are a market-leading education supply agency committed to the development of young people. With branches across the country, we are an employer of choice for high quality educators.

We're part of The Edwin Group, an education alliance here t