SEMH Teaching Assistant

Teaching Personnel; Sunderland Bridge; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 24,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Dedicated consultant support

Free CPD and SEMH training

Job summary

Teaching Personnel is seeking a SEMH Teaching Assistant to support students in Sunderland secondary schools. The role focuses on SEMH needs, requiring a calm, patient, emotionally intelligent approach and experience with trauma-informed practices. You will work within pastoral teams providing targeted support and contribute to safeguarding and records.

The position is long-term with competitive daily rates and offers ongoing consultant support and access to CPD for SEMH-focused training.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting young people with SEMH needs in a school setting.
• Calm, patient and emotionally intelligent approach to support.
• Understanding of trauma-informed practice in schools.
• Enhanced DBS on the Update Service is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide targeted SEMH support to KS3 and KS4 students.
• Deliver structured 1:1 and small group sessions.
• De-escalate difficult situations calmly and confidently.
• Work within individual support plans and contribute to reviews.
• Liaise with teachers, the SENCO and pastoral staff.
• Maintain accurate records and uphold safeguarding responsibilities.

Skills

SEMH experience

Calm, patient, emotionally intelligent

Behaviour management

Trauma-informed approach

Qualifications in SEMH / mental health

Education

SEMH/Mental health/education qualifications

Job description

SEMH Teaching Assistant - Sunderland Secondary Schools Competitive Daily Rates, Long-Term, ASAP Start

Teaching Personnel is recruiting a Teaching Assistant with SEMH experience for long-term positions across secondary schools in Sunderland, with a start date as soon as possible. These are not general classroom support roles - the schools are looking for someone who understands how social, emotional, and mental health needs present in young people, and who has the skills and experience to respond effectively.

You'll be working within established pastoral and inclusion teams, supporting students who may have had difficult experiences of education and who need a consistent, trusted adult in their corner. The relationships you build in this role are often the thing that makes the biggest difference.

What the role involves:

• Providing targeted support to students with identified SEMH needs across KS3 and KS4
• Delivering structured 1:1 and small group sessions
• De-escalating difficult situations calmly and with confidence
• Working within individual support plans and contributing to their review
• Liaising with teachers, the SENCO, and pastoral staff
• Maintaining accurate records and upholding safeguarding responsibilities at all times

What we're looking for:

• Demonstrable experience supporting young people with SEMH needs
• A calm, patient, and emotionally intelligent approach
• Confidence with behaviour management and de-escalation techniques
• Understanding of trauma-informed practice in a school setting
• Relevant qualifications in SEMH, mental health, or education are desirable
• Enhanced DBS on the Update Service

What Teaching Personnel offers:

• Competitive daily rates reflecting your experience
• Weekly pay via PAYE
• Dedicated consultant support
• Free CPD and SEMH-focused training
• Opportunities for permanent employment

Contract: Long-term, Start: ASAP, Location: Sunderland secondary schools