SEMH Teaching Assistant - 1:1

Cover People; Manchester; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

Cover People are seeking a dedicated 1:1 Teaching Assistant to work with a primary-aged pupil with SEMH needs at a primary school in Salford.

You will work closely with the pupil throughout the school day to help them engage with learning, navigate routines, and develop positive relationships within the school environment. The role sits in a long-term placement with a daily rate of £95–£120.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children with SEMH needs or complex behaviour.
• Ability to manage challenging behaviour calmly and consistently.
• Strong relationship-building and communication skills.
• Commitment to helping children access learning.

Responsibilities

• Build a trusting relationship with the pupil.
• Use positive behaviour strategies to de-escalate situations.
• Help the pupil recognise emotions and develop coping strategies.
• Encourage engagement with lessons and classroom routines.
• Maintain boundaries and respond calmly to behaviour.
• Adapt tasks to the pupil's needs and learning abilities.
• Collaborate with the class teacher, SENCO and school team to review progress.
• Support alongside school staff to achieve EHCP targets.

Skills

SEMH experience

Behaviour management

Communication skills

Patience and resilience

Job description

SEMH Teaching Assistant 1:1

Location: Salford
Start Date: October Half Term
Role: Long-term
Pay: £95 - £120 per day

Cover People are seeking a dedicated 1:1 Teaching Assistant to work with a primary-aged pupil with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs at a primary school in Salford.

This role would suit someone who is patient, resilient and experienced in managing challenging behaviour. You will play a key role in helping the pupil regulate their emotions, engage with learning and develop positive relationships within the school environment.

About the School

The school is committed to creating an inclusive environment where children feel safe, valued and encouraged to achieve their potential. Staff take a collaborative approach to learning and wellbeing, recognising individual needs and working to remove barriers to pupils' progress.

The Role

You will work closely with the pupil throughout the school day, helping them navigate classroom routines and participate more confidently in school life.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Building a consistent, trusting relationship with the pupil.
• Using positive behaviour strategies and de-escalation techniques to manage difficult situations.
• Helping the pupil recognise emotions, develop coping strategies and improve self-regulation.
• Encouraging engagement with lessons, classroom routines and peer interactions.
• Maintaining clear boundaries and responding calmly to challenging behaviour.
• Adapting tasks and approaches to suit the pupil's needs and learning abilities.
• Contributing to individual targets and EHCP outcomes, where applicable.
• Working with the class teacher, SENCO and wider school team to review progress and agree effective approaches.

About You

The ideal candidate will have:

• Experience working with children with SEMH needs or complex behaviour.
• Confidence managing challenging situations while remaining calm and consistent.
• Strong relationship-building and communication skills.
• The ability to balance empathy with clear boundaries.
• Resilience, patience and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• A genuine commitment to helping children develop confidence and access learning.

Experience in a mainstream primary school, PRU, alternative provision or specialist setting would be particularly beneficial.

Why Apply?

• Long-term opportunity in a primary school.
• Dedicated 1:1 position with the opportunity to make a meaningful difference.
• Collaborative working with the school's teaching and pastoral teams.
• Opportunity to develop your SEMH and behaviour-management experience.
• Ongoing support from your Cover People consultant.

If you're an experienced Teaching Assistant who can build positive relationships and help children overcome barriers to learning, we'd love to hear from you.

All pay rates include 12.07% statutory holiday pay where applicable.

Successful applicants will be subject to safeguarding and vetting procedures in line with statutory guidance, including an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.

Cover People is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment.