SEMH Teaching Assistant

Supply Desk; Southampton; On-site; GBP 16,236 - 18,450; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

CPD opportunities

Dedicated consultant support

Refer a Friend Scheme – up to £150

Job summary

Supply Desk is seeking an SEMH Teaching Assistant for a Specialist School in Southampton. The role involves 1:1 and small-group support for students with SEMH needs, fostering positive engagement and emotional regulation within a calm, inclusive classroom.

Start September 2026 with a long-term contract and potential for permanency. Salary £88–£100 per day, with excellent CPD and consultant support on placement.

Qualifications

• Experience with children or young people in education, coaching, care or support.
• Understanding of SEMH, SEND or behaviour support strategies.
• Calm, patient and resilient approach.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• DBS on Update Service or willingness to obtain one.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support for students with SEMH needs.
• Support pupils who may display challenging behaviour or emotional regulation difficulties.
• Build positive relationships and encourage engagement in lessons.
• Assist with behaviour support plans and individual learning targets.
• Collaborate with teachers, SENCOs and pastoral teams.

Skills

SEMH experience

Behaviour support

Classroom support

1:1 support

Strong communication

Job description

SEM H Teaching Assistant – Specialist School, Southampton

£88–£100 per day (depending on experience)

Location: Southampton
Start Date: September2026
Hours: 08:30 – 15:30
Contract: Long-Term | Potential to Become Permanent

About the Role

As an SEMH Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with pupils who require additional emotional, behavioural and educational support. You will provide both classroom-based and 1:1 interventions, helping students to engage positively with learning, build confidence and develop effective strategies for managing their emotions and behaviour. The successful candidate will play an important role in creating a safe, nurturing and supportive environment where students can thrive academically, socially and emotionally.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Providing 1:1 and small-group support for students with SEMH needs.
• Supporting pupils who may display challenging behaviour or struggle with emotional regulation.
• Building positive and trusting relationships with students.
• Encouraging engagement, participation and independence in lessons.
• Supporting the implementation of behaviour support strategies and individual learning plans.
• Working collaboratively with teachers, SENCOs and pastoral teams.
• Promoting positive wellbeing, resilience and self-confidence.
• Helping to maintain a calm, supportive and inclusive learning environment.

About the School

• Specialist provision supporting students with SEMH needs.
• Highly supportive and experienced leadership team.
• Focus on personalised learning and positive relationship-building.
• Excellent training and professional development opportunities.
• Well-resourced environment designed to support student success.
• Easily accessible from Southampton and surrounding areas.
• On-site parking available.

What You’ll Need

• Experience working with children or young people in an educational, coaching, care or support setting.
• Understanding of SEMH, SEND or behaviour support strategies.
• A calm, patient and resilient approach.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• The ability to remain positive and professional in challenging situations.
• A genuine passion for supporting vulnerable young people.
• An Enhanced DBS on the Update Service or willingness to obtain one.

Why Work with Supply Desk

• Competitive daily rates of £88–£100 per day.
• Long-term opportunity with potential for a permanent position.
• Access to a wide range of CPD and training opportunities.
• Dedicated consultant support throughout your placement.
• Opportunities to gain valuable specialist SEN and SEMH experience.
• Refer a Friend Scheme– earn up to £150 for successful referrals.