SEMH Teaching Assistant

Reed; Rotherham; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialist educational institution in Rotherham is seeking a dedicated SEMH Teaching Assistant to support pupils facing significant barriers to learning. Responsibilities include assisting with a tailored curriculum and managing challenging behaviours. Ideal candidates will have experience with SEMH needs, strong interpersonal skills, and a commitment to safeguarding children. This full-time role is a rewarding opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of young people.

Qualifications

• Proven experience working with children with SEMH needs.
• Strong interpersonal skills and emotional resilience.
• Commitment to safeguarding children.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils with SEMH needs.
• Assist in the delivery of a personalised curriculum.
• Help pupils manage challenging behaviour.
• Collaborate with teachers and therapists.
• Foster a safe and supportive environment.

Skills

Experience with SEMH needs

Emotional resilience

Interpersonal skills

Job description

SEMH Teaching Assistant – Rotherham Area

Location: Rotherham Contract Type: Full-time, Term Time Only Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience and qualifications

We are seeking a dedicated and resilient Teaching Assistant to join a specialist provision in Rotherham that supports pupils aged 5–16 who face significant barriers to learning due to SEMH challenges. This inclusive and nurturing setting has been consistently rated Good by Ofsted, with inspectors praising the staff’s ability to build strong, trusting relationships and provide calm, reassuring support. The school offers a bespoke curriculum tailored to individual needs, with a strong emphasis on emotional wellbeing, personal development, and vocational learning.

Key Responsibilities

• Support pupils with SEMH needs in both group and one-to-one settings
• Assist in the delivery of a personalised curriculum that promotes academic and emotional growth
• Help pupils manage challenging behaviour using de-escalation techniques and positive reinforcement
• Work collaboratively with teachers, therapists, and external agencies to remove barriers to learning
• Foster a safe, supportive environment where pupils feel valued and understood

Essential Requirements

• Proven experience working with children or young people with SEMH needs and challenging behaviour
• Strong interpersonal skills and emotional resilience
• Ability to remain calm under pressure and respond effectively to behavioural incidents
• A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children

Desirable

• Team Teach or equivalent behaviour management training
• Experience in a pupil referral unit (PRU) or alternative provision
• Knowledge of trauma-informed practice and restorative approaches

This is a rewarding opportunity to be part of a team that truly makes a difference. If you believe every child deserves a second chance and a supportive environment to thrive, we’d love to hear from you.