Supply SEMH Teaching Assistant

Aspire People; Cambridgeshire and Peterborough; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 23,000; Part time

Job summary

Aspire People in Wisbech are seeking a dedicated SEMH Teaching Assistant to join our school on a daily and long-term supply basis. You will support students with SEMH needs, help them engage with lessons and develop social and emotional skills.

The role involves assisting the class teacher, implementing behavioural strategies, providing emotional support, and liaising with staff to create a safe, inclusive learning environment for all pupils.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children or young people with SEMH or learning needs.
• Excellent verbal and written communication to build rapport.
• Knowledge of SEMH strategies including de-escalation and restorative practices.
• Patient, compassionate and resilient approach.
• Strong teamwork with teachers and support staff.
• Flexible and adaptable to supply capacity.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-on-one or small group support for students with SEMH needs.
• Support behavior management and promote positive behavior in the classroom.
• Assist the teacher with lesson delivery and classroom management.
• Provide emotional and pastoral support to students.
• Collaborate with teachers, SENCOs and other professionals on plans.
• Monitor progress and report to staff on issues or successes.

Skills

SEMH experience

Communication skills

Understanding SEMH

Patience & empathy

Teamwork

Flexibility & adaptability

Education

Qualification in SEN support

Job description

At Aspire People we are looking for a dedicated and compassionate SEMH Teaching Assistant to join our school on a daily and long-term supply basis within Wisbech. This role is ideal for someone who is experienced in supporting students with social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs. You will be responsible for assisting the class teacher and supporting students with additional emotional or behavioral challenges, helping them to engage in their learning, develop social skills, and improve their emotional wellbeing.

As a SEMH Teaching Assistant, you will play a key role in providing positive, proactive support to students, enabling them to access the curriculum and thrive in a safe and supportive environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Supporting Students with SEMH Needs: Provide one-on-one or small group support for students with social, emotional, and mental health difficulties, helping them to engage with lessons and manage their behavior.
• Behavior Support: Implement behavior management strategies to promote positive behavior and help students manage their emotions and reactions in the classroom.
• Classroom Assistance: Support the teacher with classroom management, lesson delivery, and the creation of a positive learning environment for all students.
• Emotional Support: Provide emotional and pastoral support to students, helping them to build resilience, self-regulation, and self-esteem.
• Liaising with Staff: Work closely with teachers, SENCOs, and other professionals to create individualized plans for students and ensure their emotional and academic needs are met.
• Monitoring Progress: Help track students' progress, both academically and emotionally, and report back to the relevant staff on any issues or successes.

Essential Skills and Qualifications

• Experience: Experience working with children or young people with SEMH, behavioral issues, or additional learning needs is essential.
• Communication Skills: Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to build rapport with students and staff alike.
• Understanding of SEMH: Knowledge of strategies and approaches for supporting students with SEMH, including de-escalation techniques, restorative practices, and behavior management strategies.
• Patience and Empathy: A compassionate, patient, and resilient approach, understanding the challenges faced by students with SEMH needs.
• Teamwork: Ability to work effectively as part of a team with teachers and other support staff to ensure the best outcomes for students.
• Flexibility and Adaptability: Ability to adapt to different classrooms, staff, and student needs, particularly when working in a supply capacity.

Desirable Skills

• Relevant Qualifications: A qualification in supporting students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) or related fields would be advantageous.
• Mental Health Awareness: Knowledge or experience of supporting students with mental health needs or trauma-informed practices is desirable.
• First Aid Training: A valid First Aid certificate would be beneficial.
• Behavior Management Training: Any training or qualifications related to behavior management, such as TEAM-Teach or similar, would be an asset.

Why Work With Us

• Supportive Environment: Be part of a committed and caring team that is passionate about supporting students' emotional, social, and academic development.
• Professional Development: Access to ongoing professional development and training to enhance your skills and expertise in supporting SEMH students.
• Varied Experience: Work in a range of classrooms, with the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students with SEMH needs.
• Impactful Role: Play a crucial role in supporting students' emotional wellbeing, improving their behavior, and helping them achieve their full potential.

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.