SEMH Teaching Assistant

Tradewind Recruitment LTD.; Royal Borough of Greenwich; On-site; GBP 11,000 - 17,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

CPD opportunities

Dedicated recruitment consultant

Potential for longer-term opportun it

Potential for longer-term opportun it

Job summary

Tradewind Recruitment is seeking a dedicated SEMH Teaching Assistant to join a specialist secondary school in St Neots, Cambridgeshire. You will provide 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with SEMH needs, building trusting relationships and helping students access the curriculum.

The role focuses on emotional regulation and positive coping strategies, using de-escalation where needed. Candidates with experience of challenging behaviour or trauma-informed practice are encouraged to apply, with

Qualifications

• Experience supporting secondary-aged pupils with SEMH needs.
• Ability to manage emotions and challenging behaviours.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed practice and relationships.
• Calm, patient approach with professional boundaries.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small‑group support to pupils with SEMH needs.
• Develop positive relationships to help pupils feel safe and understood.
• Support emotional regulation and coping strategies.
• Use de-escalation techniques to manage challenging behaviour.
• Encourage engagement and access to the full curriculum.

Skills

SEMH experience

Behaviour management

Trauma-informed approaches

Calm and patient

Professional boundaries

Engagement strategies

Job description

SEMH Teaching Assistant - Secondary School

Location: St Neots, Cambridgeshire

Employer: Tradewind Recruitment

Contract: Full-time, long-term opportunity

Tradewind Recruitment is currently seeking a dedicated, resilient and compassionate SEMH Teaching Assistant to join a specialist secondary school in the St Neots area.

This is a fantastic opportunity to make a genuine difference in the lives of young people who experience social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs. You will be supporting secondary-aged pupils who may face challenges with emotional regulation, behaviour, engagement and accessing education.

We are particularly interested in candidates who have previous experience working with teenagers with SEMH needs, challenging behaviour or mental health difficulties and who can provide the consistency, patience and positive role modelling these young people need.

The Role

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support to secondary-aged pupils with SEMH needs.
• Build positive, trusting relationships with students, helping them feel safe, supported and understood.
• Support young people with emotional regulation, self-esteem and developing positive coping strategies.
• Use effective de-escalation techniques to manage challenging behaviour calmly and confidently.
• Encourage students to re-engage with learning and develop positive attitudes towards education.
• Support pupils in accessing lessons and completing learning activities across the secondary curriculum.
• Promote positive behaviour, clear boundaries and consistent expectations.
• Work closely with teachers, pastoral staff and other professionals to support individual student needs.
• Help create a structured, safe and nurturing learning environment.

The Ideal Candidate

• Has previous experience supporting secondary-aged pupils or teenagers with SEMH needs, mental health difficulties or challenging behaviour.
• Is confident managing challenging situations and supporting young people through periods of emotional distress.
• Understands trauma-informed approaches and the importance of building positive relationships.
• Has a calm, patient and consistent approach, with the ability to maintain professional boundaries.
• Is resilient, adaptable and confident working with young people who may display challenging behaviours.
• Can encourage, motivate and engage students who may have struggled with mainstream education.
• Is passionate about helping vulnerable young people overcome barriers and reach their potential.
• Experience within a secondary SEMH school, alternative provision, specialist setting, residential childcare or youth support service would be particularly beneficial.

Why Work with Tradewind Recruitment?

• Competitive daily rates, dependent on experience.
• Access to free professional development and CPD opportunities.
• Access to the National College following your first day of work.
• A dedicated consultant providing ongoing support throughout your placement.
• Opportunities to gain experience within specialist education settings.
• Potential for longer-term and permanent opportunities.

All applicants will be subject to relevant safeguarding and compliance checks, including an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references