Teaching Assistant Alternative Provision (SEMH / SEND)

Tradewind Recruitment; Lancashire; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 22,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Permanent contract possibility

CPD & safeguarding training

Term-time schedule

Job summary

Tradewind Recruitment seeks a resilient SEMH Teaching Assistant for a Barnoldswick AP setting. The role involves 1:1 and small group support for pupils with SEMH, ADHD, ASC, and challenging behaviour.

You will assist with classroom delivery, practical workshops, and outdoor activities, applying de-escalation techniques to foster safe learning environments. Experience in SEMH/SEND, Level 2/3 TA qualification or related transferrable background is required.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting children/young adults with SEMH, SEND, PRUs, APs, or residential settings.
• Level 2/3 TA qualification or equivalent.
• High emotional resilience and calm approach under pressure.
• Enhanced DBS on Update Service or willingness to obtain one.

Responsibilities

• Work 1:1 and with small nurture groups.
• Assist lead teachers with classroom delivery and practical activities.
• Apply de-escalation strategies to maintain calm routines.
• Mentor pupils to build self-esteem and emotional regulation.
• Support EHCP target tracking and learning plans.

Skills

SEMH experience

Patience

Resilience

Behaviour management

Education

Level 2/3 Teaching Assistant qualification

Youth Work

Tools

MAPA training

Team-Teach

CPI training

Job description

Are you a resilient, patient, and dedicated Teaching Assistant looking to make an impact in the lives of vulnerable learners?

A supportive Alternative Provision (AP) in the Barnoldswick (BB18) area is seeking an enthusiastic SEMH Teaching Assistant to join their multidisciplinary team from October. This setting supports primary and secondary-aged pupils who struggle in mainstream school environments, offering small class sizes, practical learning, and trauma-informed support.

The Role

• Work 1:1 and with small nurture groups of pupils with SEMH (Social, Emotional & Mental Health needs), ADHD, Autism (ASC), and challenging behaviour.

• Assist lead teachers with classroom delivery, practical workshops, and outdoor/vocational activities.

• Apply positive de-escalation strategies (Team-Teach / MAPA / CPI training advantageous) to build calm, safe learning routines.

• Mentor pupils to build self-esteem, emotional regulation, and social-communication skills.

• Assist with EHCP target tracking, pastoral check-ins, and individual learning plans.

Key Requirements

• Experience: Background supporting children/young adults with SEMH, SEND, or in PRUs, APs, or residential care settings.

• Qualifications: Level 2/3 Teaching Assistant qualification, Youth Work, or relevant transferrable experience (support work / sports coaching).

• Mindset: High emotional resilience, patience, a calm approach under pressure, and a strong sense of humour.

• Safeguarding: Enhanced DBS on the Update Service (or willingness to complete one).

• Location: Commutable to Barnoldswick (accessible from Earby, Colne, Skipton, Nelson, and Pendle).

What We Offer

• Consistent Monday to Friday schedule (approx. 8:30 am - 3:30 pm, Term-Time Only).

• High staff-to-pupil ratios and strong in-house pastoral support teams.

• Ongoing CPD, including SEND de-escalation and safeguarding refresher training.

• Clear opportunity to secure a permanent school contract.