SEMH Teaching Assistant: Emotional Regulation Support

Aspire People; Manchester; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 22,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive daily pay rates

Dedicated consultant guidance

Access to daily, short-term and long‑h

Long-term placements

Job summary

Aspire People are recruiting resilient, empathetic and proactive Teaching Assistants to support pupils with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs across primary schools in Manchester and the surrounding areas.

This role focuses on building trust, establishing clear boundaries and helping children feel safe enough to engage with learning, with a strong emphasis on emotional regulation and positive behaviour strategies.

Qualifications

• Has recent UK-based school experience supporting pupils with SEND or behavioural needs within the last two years.
• Calm, confident and consistent approach.
• Ability to establish boundaries while maintaining positive relationships.
• Patient when supporting pupils who may struggle to regulate their emotions.
• Understands de-escalation and preventative support.
• Effective communication with teachers, pastoral teams and other professionals.
• Committed to safeguarding and helping pupils achieve positive outcomes.
• Experience with SEMH, ADHD or behavioural difficulties is valuable; mentoring or pastoral support also considered with UK school experience.

Responsibilities

• Providing 1:1 and small-group support for pupils with SEMH needs
• Building positive, professional relationships with pupils through consistency and encouragement
• Supporting emotional regulation and helping pupils recognise and manage their feelings
• Promoting positive behaviour through agreed strategies and clear expectations
• Helping pupils return to learning following periods of distress or disengagement
• Supporting transitions, breaktimes and other situations that may present additional challenges
• Encouraging positive communication, social skills and conflict resolution
• Adapting learning activities to keep pupils engaged
• Recording relevant observations and sharing feedback with teaching staff
• Following school behaviour policies and safeguarding procedures

Skills

Calm demeanour

Communication

Safeguarding

De-escalation

Patience

Job description

Aspire People are recruiting resilient, empathetic and proactive Teaching Assistants to support pupils with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs across primary schools in Manchester and the surrounding areas.

This role focuses on building trust, establishing clear boundaries and helping children feel safe enough to engage with learning, with a strong emphasis on emotional regulation and positive behaviour strategies.