SEMH Teaching Assistant

GSL Education; Wakefield; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading educational recruitment agency is looking for a SEMH Teaching Assistant in Wakefield, England. This role involves providing tailored support to students with social, emotional, and mental health needs. Ideal candidates will have experience in supporting children, strong communication skills, and a background in education or related fields. You will enjoy competitive pay rates, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth. This is a rewarding position in a supportive environment.

Benefits

Competitive pay rates

Flexible working options

Opportunities for professional development

Qualifications

• Experience supporting children or young people with SEMH needs or behavioural challenges preferred.
• Strong understanding of emotional and behavioural regulation strategies.
• Ability to manage challenging behaviours effectively.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-to-one and small-group support to students with SEMH needs.
• Assist in developing emotional regulation and coping strategies.
• Work with teachers and SENCOs to implement support plans.

Skills

Support for SEMH needs

Communication skills

Behaviour management

Empathy

Education

Relevant qualifications in education, psychology, youth work, or social care

Job description

SEMH Teaching Assistant

Location: Wakefield WF4

Salary: £460 – £600 per week (Depending on experience)

Start Date: January 2026

Contract Type: Day-to-Day / Long-Term, Part-Time / Full-Time

Are you passionate about supporting young people with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs? Do you have the resilience, patience, and dedication to make a real difference in a student’s life?

GSL Education are seeking a SEMH Teaching Assistant to join a specialist school in Wakefield WF4. This role is ideal for individuals with experience in behaviour support, SEN education, youth work, or mental health support who want to help students overcome challenges and achieve their full potential.

Key Responsibilities for SEMH TA

• Provide one-to-one and small-group support to students with SEMH needs.
• Assist students in developing emotional regulation, confidence, and coping strategies.
• Work closely with teachers, SENCOs, and external professionals to implement tailored support plans.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and structured learning environment.
• Support students with behavioural challenges, anxiety, and social difficulties.
• Encourage engagement in learning, social activities, and personal development.
• Implement behaviour management strategies in line with school policies.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have

• Experience supporting children or young people with SEMH needs, behavioural challenges, or SEN (desirable but not essential).
• A strong understanding of emotional and behavioural regulation strategies.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• A patient, empathetic, and proactive approach to supporting students.
• The ability to remain calm under pressure and manage challenging behaviours effectively.
• Relevant qualifications in education, psychology, youth work, or social care (preferred but not essential).
• An enhanced DBS on the update service or willingness to apply through GSL Education.

Why Join GSL Education?

• Competitive payrates of £460 – £600 per week, based on experience.
• Flexible working options to suit your schedule.
• Immediate start in a supportive and specialist SEMH setting.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
• Dedicated consultant support throughout your placement.

If you are a dedicated and compassionate SEMH Teaching Assistant looking for a rewarding opportunity in Wakefield WF4, we encourage you to apply today.

Please be advised that this role requires a strong knowledge and understanding of safeguarding and child protection and that successful applicants must satisfy all background safer recruitment checks; including providing an enhanced DBS certificate registered on the update service, or completing an application for a new check.

As an ethical, inclusive, and independent recruitment agency, GSL Education are committed to providing quality teaching and support staff in schools across the UK.

To apply, click ‘apply now’ and upload your most recent CV or get in touch directly with Sam Scott at sam.scottgsleducation for more information.