SEMH Teaching Assistant - Full-Time

Aspire People; Aston; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

Aspire People in Stevenage is seeking a dedicated SEN Teaching Assistant to support pupils with SEMH in a friendly primary setting, starting ASAP on a temporary-to-permanent basis.

You will work within KS1/KS2, provide one-to-one and small-group support, help pupils manage emotions, and build confidence while maintaining calm boundaries and collaborative teamwork.

Qualifications

• Experience in SEN or SEMH settings is desirable but not essential.
• Strong transferable skills from people-focused roles are valued.
• Commitment to safeguarding and supporting pupils' wellbeing.

Responsibilities

• Supporting pupils with SEMH needs across KS1 and KS2.
• Providing one-to-one and small-group support.
• Assisting teachers with classroom activities and learning.
• Helping pupils develop strategies to manage emotions and behaviour.
• Maintaining calm, consistent support in challenging situations.
• Building positive relationships with pupils and staff.
• Encouraging pupil confidence, independence and resilience.
• Working with the team to create a safe learning environment.

Skills

Patience

Resilience

Compassionate

Calm under pressure

Good communication

Reliability

Job description

SEN Teaching Assistant - SEMH Setting

Location: Stevenage - Primary SEMH needs

Working Hours: 8:30am - 4:00pm

Working Pattern: Monday to Friday, full-time, term-time only.

Start Date: ASAP

Contract: Temporary to Permanent for the successful candidate

We are currently seeking a dedicated, resilient and compassionate SEN Teaching Assistant to join an SEMH-focused educational setting in Stevenage, supporting pupils in a friendly and inclusive primary school.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about supporting young people and wants to make a genuine difference to pupils who may face barriers to learning due to their social, emotional and mental health needs.

The successful candidate will provide consistency, encouragement and positive support, helping pupils to engage with education, develop confidence and build the skills they need to become more independent.

About the Role

You will work as part of a supportive and dedicated team, providing assistance both within the classroom and across the wider school environment.

Responsibilities

• Supporting pupils with SEMH needs across KS1 and KS2.
• Providing one-to-one and small-group support.
• Assisting teachers with classroom learning and activities.
• Helping pupils develop strategies to manage their emotions and behaviour.
• Supporting positive behaviour and reinforcing clear, appropriate boundaries.
• Building positive, trusting and professional relationships with pupils.
• Encouraging pupils to develop confidence, independence and resilience.
• Providing calm, consistent support when situations become challenging.
• Working closely with teachers and other support staff.
• Adapting your approach to meet the individual needs of each pupil.
• Helping to create a safe, positive and supportive learning environment.

Who We're Looking For

Previous experience working within SEN or SEMH settings is desirable but not essential.

The school is open to candidates with strong transferable skills and a genuine interest in supporting young people. Experience in areas such as care, youth work, sports, mentoring, residential settings, education, support work or similar people-focused roles could be highly relevant.

We are particularly interested in individuals who are:

• Patient, resilient and compassionate.
• Calm and confident when dealing with challenging situations.
• Consistent and reliable in their approach.
• Able to build positive relationships with young people.
• Confident communicating with pupils and colleagues.
• Able to maintain clear and professional boundaries.
• Positive and enthusiastic about supporting young people.
• Willing to learn and develop their skills within SEN education.
• Reliable, hardworking and committed to making a difference.

The Opportunity

This position offers the opportunity to start ASAP on a temporary-to-permanent basis, with the successful candidate having the potential to secure a permanent position.

Whether you already have experience within SEN/SEMH or are looking to transfer your skills from another people-focused environment, this could be a fantastic opportunity to develop your career within specialist education.

Working hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am - 4:00pm.

If you are passionate about supporting young people, have the patience and resilience required for an SEMH environment, and are available to start ASAP, we would love to hear from you.

Aspire People Limited provides services as an Education Agency and an Education Employment Business. Aspire People is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and expects every candidate to share this commitment. Placements are subject, to appropriate Child Protection screening, including checks with former employers and the Disclosure and Barring Checks.