SEMH Teaching Assistant

Connex Education; Stoke-on-Trent; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 22,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PAYE weekly

SEND Toolkit

Funded qualifications

Career progression

Job summary

Connex Education is recruiting SEMH Teaching Assistants to support pupils with social, emotional and behavioural needs in Stoke-on-Trent. This role suits individuals with care or education experience or graduates passionate about aiding each learner's development.

The partner school focuses on inclusive, supportive strategies, seeking calm, empathetic staff able to build relationships and help pupils thrive. DBS checks are required and progression opportunities exist.

Qualifications

• Experience with challenging behaviour in a school, youth work, or similar setting.
• Ability to apply de-escalation techniques and positive behaviour management.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building with pupils.
• Current DBS on the Update Service or willingness to apply through Connex Education.
• Proof of right to work in the UK.

Responsibilities

• Support SEMH pupils in classroom and pastoral contexts.
• Implement and reinforce calm, effective behaviour strategies.
• Collaborate with teachers to maintain a safe learning environment.

Skills

Challenging behaviour experience

De-escalation techniques

Positive behaviour management

Communication skills

Calm, empathetic attitude

Tools

DBS Update Service

Job description

SEMH Teaching Assistant – Stoke-on-Trent

Location: ST11, Stoke-on-Trent
Salary: £90 – £120 per day (depending on hours and experience)
Agency: Connex Education
Start: Immediate

About the Role

Connex Education is recruiting SEMH Teaching Assistants to work in partnership with a school in Stoke-on-Trent. This is a fantastic opportunity for individuals with experience in education or care, or for graduates passionate about supporting pupils with social, emotional, and behavioural needs.

The School

The partner school supports a wide range of pupils facing behavioural challenges, including those with:

• Attachment difficulties
• Trauma backgrounds
• Social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs

This inclusive and supportive school is committed to providing positive behaviour strategies and tailored interventions to help every child succeed. They are seeking calm, empathetic, and resilient individuals passionate about making a positive impact and dedicated to helping all learners develop the skills they need to thrive.

What You’ll Need

• Previous experience working with challenging behaviour in a school, youth work, or similar education setting
• Ability to implement de-escalation techniques and positive behaviour management strategies
• Confidence and composure when managing difficult situations
• Strong communication skills and ability to build positive relationships with pupils
• Calm, empathetic, and solution-focused attitude
• Current DBS on the Update Service or willingness to apply through Connex Education
• Proof of right to work in the UK (required to apply)

Benefits Package

Competitive daily rate (£100-£140)
PAYE paid weekly
Free SEND Toolkit – 19+ professional development courses
Funded qualifications including:

• Level 2 SEND
• Level 3 Teaching and Learning
• Level 4 HLTA
• Level 5 TEFL

Career progression via Care to Classroom conversion course
Wellbeing programme and 21st century classroom training
Trainee teacher apprenticeship opportunities

Important: All offers are conditional upon satisfactory background checks, including a DBS check.

Connex Education Partnership is committed to equal opportunities and values diversity. We do not discriminate based on age, gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnic origin, religion, culture, marital status, or disability.

Connex Education Partnership is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and candidates to share this commitment. We adhere to Safer Recruitment practices in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE), Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023, and other relevant legislation. All appointments are subject to rigorous pre-employment checks, including references and an enhanced DBS check.