Specialist Teaching Assistant

Aspire People; Hemel Hempstead; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

Aspire People is seeking a dedicated SEN Teaching Assistant to work with pupils across KS2, KS3 and KS4 in a SEMH setting in Hemel Hempstead. You will support classroom learning and behaviour, both in class and across the wider school.

The role is full-time, Monday to Friday, 8:30am–4:00pm, start ASAP, across two sites with reliable transport essential. Transferable care/youth work experience encouraged; patience, resilience and strong interpersonal skills are key.

Qualifications

• Direct SEN/SEMH experience is desirable but not essential.
• Transferable skills and genuine interest in supporting young people.
• Background in care, youth work, sports, mentoring or residential settings is relevant.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils with SEMH needs across different key stages.
• Assist with classroom learning and activities.
• Work one-to-one or in small groups.
• Help pupils develop strategies to manage emotions.
• Support positive behaviour and reinforce boundaries.
• Build positive and professional relationships.

Skills

Patience

Resilience

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Job description

SEN Teaching Assistant - SEMH Setting

Location: Hemel Hempstead

Key Stages: KS2, KS3 & KS4

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

Working Pattern: Monday to Friday, full-time

Start: ASAP

Transport: Essential - role covers two sites

We are seeking a dedicated and resilient SEN Teaching Assistant to work with pupils across KS2, KS3 and KS4 within an SEMH-focused educational setting in Hemel Hempstead.

The school is looking for an individual who can provide consistency, encouragement and positive support to young people who may experience barriers to learning as a result of their social, emotional and mental health needs.

About the Position

You will work as part of a dedicated team supporting pupils both within the classroom and across the wider school environment.

Your day-to-day responsibilities may include:

• Supporting pupils with SEMH needs across different key stages.
• Assisting with classroom learning and activities.
• Working on a one-to-one or small-group basis.
• Helping pupils develop strategies to manage their emotions.
• Supporting positive behaviour and reinforcing appropriate boundaries.
• Building positive and professional relationships.
• Encouraging pupils to become more confident and independent.
• Providing reassurance and consistency when situations become challenging.
• Working collaboratively with teachers and support staff.
• Adapting your approach to suit individual pupils and circumstances.

Who We're Looking For

Direct experience within SEN or SEMH is desirable but not essential.

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

Above all, you should have:

• A genuine desire to work with young people.
• Patience and resilience.
• The ability to remain calm under pressure.
• A consistent and supportive approach.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Confidence communicating with pupils and colleagues.
• The ability to maintain professional boundaries.
• Reliability and a strong work ethic.
• A willingness to learn and develop.
• A positive attitude towards working with young people who may display challenging behaviour.

Important Information

The role involves working across two sites, therefore candidates must have reliable access to transport.

This is a full-time position, Monday to Friday, 8:30am - 4:00pm, with an ASAP start.

If you're coming from a people-focused background and have the resilience, patience and attitude required to support pupils with SEMH needs, this could be an excellent opportunity to move into or develop your career within SEN education.

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