Teaching Assistant

Excell Supply; Buxton; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

A supportive educational agency in Buxton is seeking a compassionate Teaching Assistant to join their team. The role involves supporting learners with social, emotional, and mental health needs throughout their education. Candidates should have a passion for working with vulnerable children and possess strong communication skills. The position offers a competitive salary, ongoing professional development, and a nurturing work environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary based on experience

Full access to funded CPD and qualifications

Enhanced pension scheme

Employee wellbeing support and discount package

Qualifications

• Experience supporting children or young people (school‑based or transferable).
• Understanding of trauma‑informed and relational approaches.
• Patient, resilient, and able to build positive relationships.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 support to pupils with SEMH and SEND needs.
• Assist teachers in delivering engaging lessons.
• Promote a calm and inclusive learning environment.

Skills

Experience supporting children or young people

Passion for working with SEMH needs

Strong communication skills

Education

GCSE Maths & English (or equivalent)

Tools

Teaching Assistant qualification (Level 2 or 3)

Job description

Excell Supply are proud to be supporting a specialist SEMH school in Buxton, who are dedicated to transforming the lives of young people through personalised learning, therapeutic support and a nurturing, trauma‑informed environment. They are seeking a compassionate and adaptable Teaching Assistant to join their expanding team.

About the School

This specialist SEMH school provides tailored, therapeutic education for children and young people with social, emotional and mental health needs. The setting is committed to creating a safe, supportive environment where pupils can grow academically, socially and emotionally. You will join a dedicated, child‑centred team who work collaboratively to ensure every learner feels understood, valued and able to succeed.

The Role

As a Teaching Assistant, you will support learners across KS3 and KS4, helping them engage in lessons, regulate emotions and access the curriculum. Working closely with teachers, pastoral staff and the SENDCo, you will contribute to meaningful progress for pupils who may have previously faced significant barriers to learning.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small‑group support to pupils with SEMH and SEND needs
• Assist teachers in delivering engaging, accessible lessons
• Support pupils with communication, emotional regulation, literacy and numeracy
• Promote a calm, safe and inclusive learning environment
• Encourage positive behaviour, resilience and independence
• Help create differentiated resources and scaffolded tasks
• Contribute to class organisation, preparation and displays
• Assist with interventions, pastoral sessions and wellbeing activities
• Work collaboratively with teachers, the SENDCo and behaviour support team
• Uphold safeguarding policies at all times

Requirements

• Experience supporting children or young people (school‑based or transferable)
• Passion for working with pupils with SEMH needs
• Understanding of trauma‑informed and relational approaches (training provided)
• Patient, resilient and able to build positive relationships
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• GCSE Maths & English (or equivalent)
• Commitment to inclusion, safeguarding and positive behaviour support

Desirable

• Level 2 or 3 Teaching Assistant qualification
• Experience in SEMH, SEND or alternative provision
• Experience supporting challenging behaviour

What Excell Supply & the School Can Offer

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Full access to funded CPD and qualifications
• Supportive leadership and a therapeutic, relationship‑based learning model
• Blue Light discount card eligibility
• Enhanced pension scheme
• Staff referral rewards
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
• Employee wellbeing support and discount package
• Life assurance

Legal & Recruitment Notice

As members of the REC (Recruitment & Employment Confederation) and umbrella body to the DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) Excell Supply is committed to the safeguarding and welfare of children. All applicants will be subject to thorough employment checks and must have an Enhanced DBS on the Update Service certificate in place. Candidates without an Enhanced DBS on the Update Service will have to apply for a new one.

If you believe you have the skills required for this role, please apply now. If you haven’t heard from us within two weeks of the vacancy closing date you should assume your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.

Important Notice

In order to apply for the above position all applicants must be eligible to work in the UK, or eligible to apply for a relevant work visa. Excell Supply are unable to offer a work permit to any applicant or facilitate work permits for any vacancy on behalf of one of its clients. It is Excell Supply’s policy, as a matter of courtesy, to respond to all applications within three working days. However, because of the volume of applications, we are sometimes unable to respond to individual candidates. If we have not contacted you within three working days your application has been unsuccessful, and your details have not been retained. Please apply for any other position that you may see in the future. Excell Supply is a Recruitment Agency and is advertising this vacancy on behalf of one of its clients.