SEMH Teaching Assistant

Aspire People; Ringway; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Aspire People, partnering with a mainstream secondary school in North Manchester, is seeking an SEMH Teaching Assistant for the Year 7 Hub to support students transitioning to secondary education and to foster emotional wellbeing.

The role requires a Psychology, Sports or Education degree and experience with young people, with responsibilities including promoting resilience, engagement, and respectful relationships in a calm, structured setting.

Qualifications

• Candidates with a degree in Psychology, Sports, Education or a related subject.
• Experience working with children or young people through employment, placements, volunteering or mentoring.
• Interest in SEMH, behaviour support, child development or educational psychology.

Responsibilities

• Support Year 7 students with SEMH needs and emotional wellbeing.
• Assist pupils transitioning from primary to secondary school.
• Promote positive behaviour, emotional regulation and engagement in learning.

Skills

Psychology background

SEMH awareness

Strong communication

Relationship-building

Calm & resilient

Student support experience

Education

Psychology/Sports/Education degree

Job description

SEMH Teaching Assistant - Year 7 Hub
Location: North Manchester
Contract: Full-time, long-term
Opportunity: Temporary to permanent

Are you a Psychology graduate or someone with a passion for supporting young people with social, emotional and mental health needs?

Aspire People is working in partnership with a mainstream secondary school in North Manchester that is looking to recruit a dedicated and resilient SEMH Teaching Assistant to join its new Year 7 Hub.

This is an exciting opportunity to support students as they make the transition from primary to secondary school, helping them settle into their new environment, develop positive relationships and build the confidence and skills needed to succeed.

We are particularly interested in graduates with a background in Psychology, Sports, Education or a related field, alongside candidates with experience supporting children and young people through employment, university placements, volunteering, mentoring or youth work.

The Role

As an SEMH Teaching Assistant, you will play a key role in supporting Year 7 students who may need additional help with their emotional wellbeing, behaviour and transition into secondary education.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting students with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs.
• Helping pupils transition successfully from primary to secondary school.
• Promoting positive behaviour, emotional regulation and engagement in learning.
• Building trusting relationships with students and providing consistent support.
• Supporting pupils who may struggle with anxiety, confidence, emotional regulation or challenging behaviour.
• Working closely with teachers and pastoral staff to create a safe, structured and supportive environment.
• Encouraging students to develop resilience, independence and positive social skills.

Who Are We Looking For?

We are keen to hear from candidates who have:

• A degree in Psychology, Sports, Education or a related subject.
• Experience working with children or young people through employment, placements, volunteering or mentoring.
• An interest in SEMH, behaviour support, child development or educational psychology.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• A calm, patient and resilient approach to challenging situations.
• The confidence to support students with behavioural and emotional difficulties.
• A genuine passion for helping young people overcome barriers and reach their potential.
• Experience in youth work, sports coaching, mentoring, residential care, SEN or behaviour support would be highly beneficial.

Requirements

• An enhanced DBS registered on the Update Service.
• References covering the last two years.
• A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
• The ability to work full-time in North Manchester.

Full‑time, long‑term opportunity with the potential to become permanent.

The chance to be part of an exciting new Year 7 support provision.

Valuable experience for graduates considering careers in Psychology, Educational Psychology, Teaching, Mental Health or Pastoral Support.

The opportunity to make a meaningful difference during a crucial stage of students' education.