SEN Teaching Assistant (SEMH)

Tradewind Recruitment; Woodbridge; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

Tradewind Recruitment is seeking an SEMH Teaching Assistant to join a specialist setting in Woodbridge from September 2026. You will support pupils who need understanding, patience and encouragement to engage with learning.

You will work with teaching staff to provide consistent support in and outside the classroom, building positive relationships and helping pupils develop confidence, resilience and routines.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children or young people preferred but not required.
• Patience, resilience and genuine desire to help pupils succeed.
• Ability to build positive relationships in a school setting.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils with learning and engagement throughout the school day.
• Build positive, trusting relationships with pupils.
• Provide calm and consistent support when pupils are experiencing difficulties.
• Encourage pupils to develop confidence, independence and positive routines.
• Help create a safe, structured and supportive learning environment.
• Work with teachers and other professionals to meet individual pupil needs.
• Support pupils during lessons, activities, social times and transitions.
• Encourage positive behaviour and helping pupils to make appropriate choices.

Skills

Calm demeanor

Relationship building

Patience

Adaptability

Team player

Job description

SEMH Teaching Assistant

Location: Woodbridge

Start Date: September 2026

Contract: Long-term / potential permanent

Hours: Full-time, Monday to Friday

Are you passionate about supporting young people who need a little more understanding, patience and encouragement to succeed? We are currently looking for a dedicated SEMH Teaching Assistant to join a specialist setting supporting pupils who may have experienced challenges in mainstream education and require a more nurturing and individualised approach. This is a rewarding opportunity for someone who enjoys building positive relationships and helping young people develop the confidence, resilience and skills they need to engage with education.

The Role

As an SEMH Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with teaching staff to provide consistent support both in and outside of the classroom. You will help pupils remain engaged with their learning, encourage positive choices and provide reassurance when pupils are finding things difficult.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting pupils with their learning and engagement throughout the school day.


• Building positive, trusting relationships with pupils.


• Providing calm and consistent support when pupils are experiencing difficulties.


• Encouraging pupils to develop confidence, independence and positive routines.


• Helping to create a safe, structured and supportive learning environment.


• Working alongside teachers and other professionals to meet individual pupil needs.


• Supporting pupils during lessons, activities, social times and transitions.


• Encouraging positive behaviour and helping pupils to make appropriate choices.


• Contributing to a positive school culture where every pupil is encouraged to succeed.

What We're Looking For

You do not necessarily need previous SEMH experience. We are particularly interested in hearing from people who have experience working with children or young people and who can demonstrate patience, resilience and a genuine desire to make a difference.

You will ideally be:

• Calm, approachable and consistent in your approach.


• Confident building relationships with young people.


• Patient and able to remain composed in challenging situations.


• Positive and encouraging, while maintaining appropriate boundaries.


• Adaptable and willing to think creatively about how best to support individual pupils.


• A strong team player who is happy to work closely with teaching and support staff.


• Experience within an SEMH, SEN, youth work, care, sports, mentoring or similar environment would be advantageous, but attitude and the ability to build positive relationships are equally important.

If you're looking for a role where no two days are quite the same and where your support can genuinely change a young person's experience of education, we'd love to hear from you.