SEMH Teaching Assistant

The Education Specialists; West Kirby; On-site; GBP 11,000 - 17,000; Full time

Job summary

The Education Specialists are seeking a dedicated SEMH Teaching Assistant to support primary-aged boys (5–11) with EHCPs reflecting SEMH needs. You will build positive relationships, provide nurturing support, and help children feel safe, valued and engaged.

The role emphasizes emotional regulation, resilience and confidence, with collaboration across families and professionals. This is a temporary long-term position with a path to permanent work directly with the school.

Qualifications

• Experience with SEMH or similar needs.
• Ability to build positive relationships with children.
• Commitment to safeguarding and inclusive practice.

Responsibilities

• Build trusting relationships and understand each child’s individual needs.
• Provide nurturing support in line with each child’s EHCP.
• Develop pupils’ emotional regulation, resilience and confidence.
• Encourage learning and celebrate progress.
• Collaborate with colleagues, families and professionals.
• Create a safe, inclusive environment where every child is valued.

Skills

Relationship building

Empathy

Patience

Flexibility

Education

QTS or equivalent

Job description

We are looking for a dedicated SEMH Teaching Assistant to support primary-aged boys aged 5–11 who have Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) that reflect their individual needs, including social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs.

We are looking for someone who is able to build positive relationships with children by taking the time to understand them, recognising their strengths, celebrating their achievements and helping them navigate the challenges they face.

As a SEMH Teaching Assistant, you will play a vital role in supporting the children to feel safe, valued and understood, enabling them to engage with learning and develop the skills they need to build their confidence.

You will:

• Build trusting relationships and understand each child’s individual needs.
• Provide consistent, nurturing support in line with each child’s EHCP.
• Develop pupils’ emotional regulation, resilience and confidence.
• Encourage learning, celebrate progress and recognise individual achievements.
• Respond to challenges with patience, empathy and positivity.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, families and professionals.
• Create a safe, inclusive environment where every child feels valued and supported.

We are looking for someone who is:

• Relationship-focused: Builds trusting, positive relationships through consistency and care.
• Patient and resilient: Remains calm, supportive and encouraging.
• Empathetic: Seeks to understand the needs behind children’s behaviour.
• Positive and nurturing: Celebrates progress and builds confidence.
• Flexible and willing to learn: Adapts support to meet individual needs.
• Caring and committed: Passionate about helping children thrive.

Experience working with children with SEMH needs, additional needs or challenging behaviour would be beneficial. Most importantly, we are looking for someone with a big heart, a positive outlook and a genuine desire to make a difference in children’s lives.

This is a temporary long term position with the opportunity to progress to a permanent position direct with school.

The hours are Monday to Friday 8am -3pm.

Operam Education Group includes Provide Education | Teachers UK | Provision Recruitment | The Education Specialists | First for Education | Horizon Teachers | Key Stage Teacher Supply

We’re proud to be an inclusive employer, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds and committed to creating accessible opportunities across education.

As part of our registration process, you’ll need an enhanced DBS check and we’ll need to see and copy your original qualifications before any placement. Teaching roles require Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent