Teaching Assistant

Axcis Education; Lower Blandford St Mary; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 18,000; Full time

Job summary

Axcis Education is recruiting a dedicated SEMH Teaching Assistant for a long-term role at a specialist primary SEND school in Bournemouth, starting December 2026. The position covers 1:1 and small group support for pupils with SEMH needs, within a nurturing and supportive environment.

Applicants with backgrounds in sports coaching, youth work, mentoring or behaviour support are particularly welcome. This full-time role runs Monday to Friday, 08:30-15:30, term time only, with pay dependent on

Qualifications

• Experience supporting primary-aged pupils with SEMH/SEND or behavioural needs.
• Experience as a Teaching Assistant, Behaviour Support, Youth Worker or Sports Coach is beneficial.
• Calm, patient and resilient approach for challenging situations.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small group support to primary-aged pupils with SEMH and behavioural needs.
• Support emotional regulation and positive behaviour in classroom activities.
• Implement de-escalation techniques and positive behaviour strategies.
• Help pupils develop confidence, social skills and positive relationships.
• Support targeted interventions and structured activities within the classroom.
• Build trusting relationships with pupils and work with teachers and SEND leadership.

Skills

SEMH experience

1:1 support

Behaviour management

Communication skills

Job description

Location: Bournemouth, Dorset Start Date: December 2026 Hours: Full-Time, Term Time Only (Monday to Friday, 08:30-15:30) Pay: £92-£100 per day (dependent on experience)

Are you an experienced SEMH Teaching Assistant looking for a rewarding opportunity to support primary-aged children with additional needs? Axcis Education is working in partnership with a specialist primary SEND school in Bournemouth to recruit a dedicated, resilient and enthusiastic Teaching Assistant for a long-term position starting in December 2026.

This role involves supporting pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, helping them develop emotional regulation, build positive relationships and engage with learning. You will provide a combination of 1:1 and small group support within a structured, nurturing and supportive school environment.

The school is particularly interested in candidates with backgrounds in sports coaching, youth work, mentoring or behaviour support, as physical activity, consistent routines and positive role modelling play an important part in its approach.

The Role – SEMH Teaching Assistant

• Provide 1:1 and small group support to primary-aged pupils with SEMH and behavioural needs.
• Support emotional regulation, positive behaviour and engagement in classroom activities.
• Implement positive behaviour management strategies and appropriate de-escalation techniques.
• Help pupils develop confidence, social skills and positive relationships.
• Support classroom learning, targeted interventions and structured activities.
• Build trusting and consistent relationships with pupils who may display challenging behaviour.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, the SENDCO and pastoral teams.
• Provide support during transitions, breaktimes and other less structured parts of the school day.

What We're Looking For

• Previous experience working with children or young people with SEMH, SEND, ASC or behavioural needs.
• Experience as a SEMH Teaching Assistant, SEND Teaching Assistant, Behaviour Support Assistant, Youth Worker or Sports Coach would be advantageous.
• A calm, patient and resilient approach, with the ability to manage challenging situations positively.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Confidence supporting emotional regulation and implementing behaviour strategies.
• A genuine passion for helping children overcome barriers to learning.
• An Enhanced Child Workforce DBS on the Update Service, or willingness to apply for one.

Why Apply?

• Competitive pay of £92-£100 per day, depending on experience.
• Long-term, full-time opportunity starting December 2026.
• Monday to Friday, 08:30-15:30, term time only.
• Supportive specialist primary SEND school with experienced staff.
• Opportunities for ongoing training and professional development.
• A rewarding opportunity to make a genuine difference to the lives of children with SEMH needs.

This is a temporary position, unless stated otherwise.

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.

Contact

Contact: Alex Holt

Telephone: [phone] | Ext: 6001