SEMH Teaching Assistant - 1:1

Senploy; Salford; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 17,000; Full time

Job summary

Cover People is seeking a dedicated 1:1 Teaching Assistant to support a primary pupil with SEMH needs in a Salford primary school. You will help the pupil regulate emotions, engage with learning and form positive relationships across the school day.

The ideal candidate will have SEMH or challenging behaviour experience, strong communication, resilience and a patient, calm approach. This is a long-term school-based role with ongoing support from Cover People.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children with SEMH or complex behaviour.
• Ability to build trusting relationships with pupils.
• Patient, resilient and able to manage challenging behaviour.
• Experience in a mainstream primary school or alternative provision is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Build a consistent, trusting relationship with the pupil.
• Use positive behaviour strategies and de-escalation techniques to manage challenging situations.
• Help the pupil recognise emotions and improve self-regulation.
• Encourage engagement with lessons and classroom routines.
• Collaborate with teachers and SENCO to review progress.

Skills

1:1 Teaching Assistant

SEMH experience

Behaviour management

Patience & resilience

Communication skills

Job description

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.

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.

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.

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.
• 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.

Cover People are acting as an employment business on behalf of these schools. 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.