SEMH Teaching Assistant- Full time

Teaching Personnel; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

Teaching Personnel in Portsmouth is seeking a caring, enthusiastic Teaching Assistant to join a welcoming SEN school on a full-time basis. You will work closely with teachers to support pupils with diverse needs, helping them access learning and grow confidence.

The role involves one-to-one and small-group support, development of communication and social skills, and collaboration with the school team to keep learning safe, inclusive and engaging.

Qualifications

• Experience in SEN setting preferred but not essential.
• A caring, empathetic and patient approach.
• Reliable and positive role model with good communication.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-to-one and small-group support to pupils.
• Assist teachers with classroom activities and learning.
• Support pupils with their communication, social and emotional development.
• Help children develop confidence, independence and life skills.
• Support pupils with a range of additional needs, including challenging behaviour where required.
• Build positive and trusting relationships with pupils.
• Help maintain a calm, safe and inclusive classroom environment.
• Work as part of a supportive and dedicated school team.

Skills

One-to-one support

Small-group support

Assist teachers

Communication skills

Empathy

Job description

Location: Portsmouth
Position: Teaching Assistant
Hours: Full-time, Monday–Friday
Start Date: ASAP / September 2026

Are you passionate about supporting children and young people to reach their full potential?

We are looking for a caring, enthusiastic and committed Teaching Assistant to join a welcoming SEN school in Portsmouth on a full-time basis.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who wants to make a genuine difference in the lives of children with Special Educational Needs. You will work closely with teachers and other support staff to create a safe, positive and engaging learning environment where every pupil can thrive.

As a Teaching Assistant, you will:

• Provide one-to-one and small-group support to pupils.
• Assist teachers with classroom activities and learning.
• Support pupils with their communication, social and emotional development.
• Help children develop confidence, independence and life skills.
• Support pupils with a range of additional needs, including challenging behaviour where required.
• Build positive and trusting relationships with pupils.
• Help maintain a calm, safe and inclusive classroom environment.
• Work as part of a supportive and dedicated school team.

We are looking for someone who is:

• Patient, caring and empathetic.
• Passionate about working with children and young people.
• Confident supporting pupils with additional needs.
• Calm and resilient when faced with challenging situations.
• A positive role model with excellent communication skills.
• Reliable, enthusiastic and willing to learn.
• Experienced working in an SEN setting or keen to develop a career within special education.

Previous SEN experience is desirable but not essential — the right attitude, commitment and passion for supporting children are just as important.

• A rewarding full-time position within a supportive SEN environment.
• The opportunity to make a real difference to pupils' lives.
• A welcoming and dedicated staff team.
• Opportunities for professional development and training.
• A varied and rewarding role where no two days are the same.

If you are looking for a rewarding role where you can make a real difference every day, we would love to hear from you.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.
All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.
Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.
We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.
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