SEMH Teaching Assistant

senploy; Wigan; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialist education recruitment agency is seeking a dedicated SEMH Teaching Assistant for a secondary school in Wigan. The role involves providing tailored 1:1 support for pupils with significant social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs. Ideal candidates should have experience with challenging behaviour and strong communication skills. This is a full-time position offering a weekly salary of £475.00 - £550.00. Applicants must hold the right to work in the UK and complete all safeguarding checks.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting young people with SEMH needs.
• Ability to implement behaviour intervention strategies.
• Willingness to obtain an enhanced DBS certificate.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 support to a pupil with complex needs.
• Build strong relationships with pupils.
• Implement de-escalation and restorative approaches.
• Support pupils during lessons and transitions.
• Work closely with teachers and professionals.
• Encourage social skills and independence.

Skills

Previous experience with challenging behaviour

Resilience

Excellent communication

Relationship-building skills

Calm under pressure

Job description

SEMH Teaching Assistant

Role Overview

Position: SEMH Teaching Assistant (1:1 Support)
Location: Wigan
Contract Type: Full Time
Rate of Pay: £475.00 - £550.00 per week
Working Hours: 08:30 - 15:30

About the School

Are you a resilient, calm and relationship-driven practitioner with experience supporting young people who display challenging behaviour? We are working with a specialist secondary school in Wigan seeking a dedicated SEMH Teaching Assistant to provide 1:1 support for pupils with significant SEMH and behavioural needs. The school offers a structured, nurturing and therapeutic environment where pupils benefit from clear boundaries, consistent support and adults who can form meaningful, trusting relationships. This role is ideal for someone who is confident in managing challenging behaviour, can remain composed under pressure, and is committed to helping young people develop emotional regulation, resilience and engagement in learning.

Responsibilities

• Provide tailored 1:1 support to a secondary-aged pupil with complex behavioural and emotional needs.
• Build strong, positive relationships to help pupils feel supported, understood and safe.
• Implement behaviour intervention strategies, including de-escalation, restorative approaches and positive reinforcement.
• Support pupils throughout the school day, including during lessons, transitions and periods of emotional dysregulation.
• Work closely with teachers, the SENDCo and external professionals to ensure a cohesive, personalised support plan.
• Encourage social skills, independence, self-regulation and positive decision-making.

Requirements

• Previous experience working with young people who display challenging behaviour.
• Strong resilience, patience and the ability to stay calm in difficult situations.
• Understanding of SEMH needs and trauma-informed, therapeutic behaviour approaches.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• A team-focused attitude and willingness to contribute to a supportive school culture.

To be eligible for this role through Prospero Teaching, you must:

• Hold Right to Work in the UK.
• Hold an enhanced child barred list DBS certificate on the update service OR be willing to apply for a new one.
• Provide two professional, child-related references covering the last two years.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Prospero Teaching is acting as an employment business/education recruitment agency in relation to this vacancy. The successful candidate will be required to register and complete all safeguarding and vetting checks. Anyone working with children or vulnerable young people must uphold safeguarding responsibilities at all times.