SEMH Teaching Assistant | Behaviour Support Assistant | Primary Alternative Provision | Brighton

Sussex Teachers; Brighton; On-site; GBP 19,286 - 22,041; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly PAYE pay

Brighton-based consultant

Safeguarding training

CPD training

Job summary

Sussex Teachers are recruiting a full-time SEMH Teaching Assistant for a primary alternative provision in east Brighton. This long-term supply role runs from September to December 2026, supporting Years 2–5 pupils with SEMH needs in a dedicated SEND setting.

The role offers competitive weekly PAYE pay, a Brighton-based consultant, safeguarding training and ongoing support. Ideal for candidates seeking a meaningful, short-term placement in Brighton.

Qualifications

• Recent experience working with children in education, childcare, youth work or care settings.
• Availability Monday to Friday, 8:45am–3:15pm.
• Positive, resilient and proactive approach.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Experience supporting children with SEND/SEMH is desirable.

Skills

Experience with children

SEMH awareness

Behaviour management

Availability 8:45am–3:15pm

Job description

Jobs / SEMH Teaching Assistant | Behaviour Support Assistant | Primary Alternative Provision | Brighton

Position: Teaching Assistant

Contract type: Temp/Contract

School: Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) SEND Primary school

Area: BN2 3AJ

Salary: £14.50 per hour

Brighton | Full-Time | September – December 2026 | Long-Term Supply | Weekly PAYE Pay

Some children need something different from mainstream education—not forever, just long enough to rebuild their confidence, feel safe and rediscover that they can succeed.

Sussex Teachers is recruiting a full-time SEMH Teaching Assistant to work within a specialist primary alternative provision in east Brighton that supports children in Years 2 to 5 with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs.

This is a long-term supply role from September until December 2026, offering the chance to become part of a highly skilled team that helps children overcome barriers to learning before successfully returning to their mainstream school.

If you're looking for a Teaching Assistant job in Brighton where you can genuinely change a child's experience of education, this could be the role for you.

What makes this role different?

This isn't a one-to-one support role or a traditional classroom assistant position. You'll be working with children who may have become disengaged from school, experienced difficulties managing their emotions, or lost confidence in themselves as learners.

The team believes that behaviour is communication. Rather than simply managing behaviour, they work to understand what's behind it and help children develop strategies that allow them to succeed both emotionally and academically. No two days are the same, but every day offers the opportunity to see real progress.

About the provision

The setting provides short-term placements for primary-aged children whose SEMH needs or behavioural challenges are preventing them from thriving in mainstream school.

The focus isn't simply on academic achievement. Emotional wellbeing, confidence, communication and self-regulation are considered equally important, helping children return to mainstream education feeling happier, more resilient and ready to learn.

Location

The provision is based in east Brighton, around 10 minutes from the city centre.

It is easily accessible by regular bus services from Brighton, Hove, Rottingdean, Saltdean, Peacehaven and Lewes, with nearby parking available for those travelling by car.

Requirements

You'll need:

• Recent experience working with children in education, childcare, youth work or care settings.
• Availability Monday to Friday, 8:45am–3:15pm.
• A positive, resilient and proactive approach.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.

Experience supporting children with SEND, SEMH or behavioural needs is highly desirable, but equally important is your ability to remain calm, positive and encouraging, even on the most challenging days.

Why work through Sussex Teachers?

Sussex Teachers are a local and independent Brighton-based agency. We work in partnership with local schools to place high-quality education professionals into rewarding roles.

When you join us, you'll benefit from:

• Competitive weekly PAYE pay.
• A dedicated Brighton-based consultant who knows the schools we work with.
• Free safeguarding and CPD training.
• Honest advice, personalised support and regular communication throughout your placement.

Apply today

Whether you're an experienced Teaching Assistant, Behaviour Support Assistant, Learning Support Assistant or SEMH Teaching Assistant, this is an opportunity to be part of a setting where every small success matters.

Apply today to speak with one of our Brighton-based consultants about this rewarding Teaching Assistant job in Brighton and help make a lasting difference to children's lives. Submit your CV or call Kim on 01273 626 800 or 07800 573023 for a chat about this Brighton SEND TA role. Alternatively, email us with a recent CV or application form to [e-mail]

Interested? - Please click below to apply for this job and attach your cv. :)Apply here

At Sussex Teachers, we value diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from all qualified individuals. Safeguarding students is essential, and successful applicants will undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’.

Please note that all our pay rates are inclusive of holiday pay at 12.07%

Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. We appreciate your understanding and interest in joining Sussex Teachers.