Supply SEMH Teaching Assistant

Veritas Education Recruitment Ltd; Bradford; On-site; GBP 13,000 - 20,000; Full time

Job summary

Veritas Education is seeking a Supply SEMH Teaching Assistant to support students with social, emotional and mental health needs across SEMH settings, including specialist and mainstream environments.

The role involves individualised support, relationship building and helping students develop life skills, independence and emotional regulation. Experience in SEND and flexible settings is highly valued, with safeguarding and teamwork central to the role.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting students in SEMH, SEND or related settings.
• Understanding of positive behaviour management and de-escalation techniques.
• Ability to build trusting relationships with students and maintain boundaries.
• Patience, resilience and a calm approach to challenging situations.
• Knowledge of SEND and individual student needs and supports.

Responsibilities

• Support students to access the curriculum by breaking tasks into manageable steps.
• Follow EHCPs, IEPs, and behaviour plans to provide consistent support.
• Use positive behaviour strategies and restorative approaches.
• Provide emotional support and help students develop self-regulation skills.
• Assist with progress monitoring and recording student development across areas.

Skills

Experience with SEMH

Behaviour management

Relationship building

Patience and resilience

SEND understanding

Job description

Job Title: Supply SEMH Teaching Assistant

The Role:

A dedicated and compassionate SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health) Teaching Assistant supporting students who may experience social, emotional, behavioural and mental health needs. Working across special schools, alternative provisions and mainstream SEMH settings, the role involves providing individualised support, building positive relationships and helping students develop their confidence, independence, life skills and emotional regulation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Learning Support - Supporting students to access the curriculum by breaking down tasks into small, manageable steps and adapting activities to suit individual learning needs.
• Individualised Support - Following EHCPs, Individual Education Plans (IEPs), behaviour support plans and other personalised strategies to ensure students receive consistent and appropriate support.
• Behaviour Support - Using positive behaviour management, restorative approaches and de-escalation strategies to support students experiencing emotional or behavioural difficulties and maintain a safe, calm learning environment.
• Emotional Support - Building trusting relationships with students, providing reassurance and helping them develop emotional awareness, resilience, self-regulation and positive coping strategies.
• Progress Monitoring - Supporting teachers with assessments, tracking student progress and maintaining accurate records of academic, behavioural, social and emotional development.
• Relationship Building - Developing positive and professional relationships with students, helping them feel safe, valued and supported within the school environment.
• Regulation & Sensory Support - Supporting sensory circuits, regulation activities, Zones of Regulation and other strategies designed to help students manage their emotions and prepare for learning.
• Life Skills & Personal Development - Supporting students with PSHE and practical life skills, including relationships, hygiene, sleep, safety, independence and preparing for adulthood.
• Team Collaboration - Working closely with teachers, SENCOs, pastoral teams, therapists, psychologists, social workers, parents and carers to provide consistent support.
• Safeguarding - Promoting student welfare and following safeguarding, behaviour, health and safety policies at all times.
• Trips, Activities & Training - Supporting educational visits, workshops, enrichment activities and relevant training to develop knowledge and understanding of SEMH needs.

Requirements:

• Experience working with children or young people - Previous experience supporting students in a school, alternative provision, residential, youth or care setting is desirable.
• SEMH Experience - Experience supporting children or young people with social, emotional and mental health needs, behavioural difficulties, anxiety, trauma or challenging behaviour is highly desirable.
• Positive Behaviour Management - Understanding of positive behaviour strategies, de-escalation techniques and how to respond calmly and consistently to challenging situations.
• Strong Relationship-Building Skills - Ability to develop trusting, professional relationships with students while maintaining appropriate boundaries and expectations.
• Patience & Resilience - A patient, empathetic and resilient approach, with the ability to remain calm and supportive during difficult or emotionally demanding situations.
• Understanding of SEND - A good understanding of SEND and the individual needs of students with behavioural, emotional, communication or learning difficulties.
• Safeguarding Awareness - Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, with an understanding of professional boundaries and confidentiality.
• Flexibility - Willingness to work across different educational settings and support students with a range of SEMH needs.
• Professionalism - Reliable, punctual and committed to providing consistent, high-quality support to students and schools.

Disclaimer

'Nothing within the above advert was in any way designed or intended to discriminate on the grounds of age, gender, race, colour, religion, disability or sexual orientation. Veritas Education is an Equal opportunities employer and is proud in the knowledge that all placements are made on merit and suitability. We accept applications from all sections of the community.'