Special Needs Teaching Assistant

Axcis Education Recruitment; Cheltenham; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 21,000; Full time

Job summary

Axcis Education Recruitment is seeking a dedicated SEMH Teaching Assistant to join a Cheltenham area specialist school. You will support students with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs, helping them access learning and engage with school life.

Role is suitable for graduates or those with youth-work or coaching backgrounds. You will work alongside teachers, support staff and will participate in creating a calm, nurturing classroom environment Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 3.30pm.

Qualifications

• Previous experience is not required.
• Ideal for graduates, youth workers, sports coaches or teaching assistants.
• Commitment to supporting young people with SEMH.

Responsibilities

• Support students one-to-one and in small groups.
• Assist with classroom activities and learning tasks.
• Encourage positive behaviour and emotional development.
• Help create a calm, structured, nurturing environment.

Job description

Are you passionate about supporting young people to overcome challenges and succeed in education? Do you want to be part of a caring, supportive school community where every student is valued? We are looking for a dedicated SEMH Teaching Assistant to join a specialist school in the Cheltenham area.

About the Role:

Working alongside teachers and support staff, you will play a key role in helping students access learning, develop confidence, and engage positively with school life.

• Supporting students on a one-to-one basis and in small groups
• Assisting with classroom activities and learning tasks
• Encouraging positive behaviour and emotional development
• Helping to create a calm, structured, and nurturing environment

About the School

This Cheltenham-based special school supports students aged 11–16 whose needs cannot be met in mainstream education. All pupils have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) related to Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. The school prides itself on providing a safe, inclusive environment where students are supported to thrive both academically and personally.

Who We’re Looking For

We welcome applicants who are:

• Friendly, patient, and empathetic
• Passionate about supporting young people
• Confident communicators and team players
• Motivated to make a real difference in students’ lives

Previous experience is not essential. This role would suit graduates, youth workers, sports coaches, teaching assistants, or anyone with a genuine interest in working with young people.

Key Information

• Pay: £14.20-£15.50 p/h
• Hours: Monday to Friday, 8.30am– 3:30pm
• Start Date: Monday 14th September 2026

Axcis is an equal opportunities employer and as such we do not discriminate based on age, gender, disability, race or any other equal opportunities criteria.

The company is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. As such, you will be required to provide an up to date DBS, or be prepared to allow Axcis to process one on your behalf, in addition to other mandatory compliance checks in line with the DfE guidelines (for details please see our website).

If the position you are applying for involves working with children or vulnerable adults, this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974.

Axcis Education is an employment agency offering temporary supply work for daily, short-term and long-term assignments in addition to permanent positions.

You must be suitably qualified for the position advertised and be prepared to attend a face to face interview with Axcis to demonstrate your suitability for this role.

Salary / Pay Rate will be dependent on your skills and experience.