Teaching Assistant - SEMH

senploy; Manchester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational support provider in Manchester seeks an SEMH Support Worker to assist primary age pupils with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health needs. This role involves building relationships, using de-escalation strategies, and supporting students in class and activities. Candidates can be unqualified but must possess strong relevant skills. The position offers a temporary-to-permanent contract, with a clear path for progression. Apply now to make a real difference in young lives.

Benefits

Supportive leadership team

Clear progression and training opportunities

Opportunity to change lives

Qualifications

• Experience in supporting children with SEMH needs.
• Strong resilience and patience.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils with SEMH needs across primary age groups.
• Assist in the classroom, in small groups, and 1:1.
• Use de-escalation strategies and maintain a calm approach.

Skills

Behaviour support

Youth work

Care or residential settings

Sports coaching

Mentoring roles

Security roles with a people-focused approach

Personal lived experience supporting challenging behaviour

Job description

Job Advertisement: SEMH Support Worker (Primary) - Longsight & Withington

Temp to Perm | January Start | Unqualified & Experienced Candidates Welcome

Role Details

• Position: Unqualified SEMH Teaching Assistant / SEMH Support Worker


• Setting: Primary SEMH provision (two sites: Longsight & Withington)


• Contract: Temp-to-Perm


• Start: January


• Hours:
  
  
  
  • Monday: 8:30am - 4:00pm
  
  
  • Tuesday: 8:30am - 4:00pm
  
  
  • Wednesday: 8:30am - 5:00pm
  
  
  • Thursday: 8:30am - 4:00pm
  
  
  • Friday: 8:30am - 2:30pm
  
  
  
  

About the Role

You will support pupils with SEMH needs who may display challenging behaviours, emotional dysregulation, and barriers to learning. Your role will involve building trusted relationships, helping pupils feel safe, and supporting them in class and during structured activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Support pupils with SEMH needs across primary age groups


• Assist in the classroom, in small groups, and 1:1 where needed


• Use de-escalation strategies and maintain a calm, consistent approach


• Build positive relationships with children who have experienced trauma or disruption


• Help pupils engage with learning and develop emotional regulation


• Work collaboratively with teachers, pastoral staff, and wider support teams


• Be flexible and available to work at both Longsight and Withington sites

Who We're Looking For

We welcome both experienced TA applicants and unqualified candidates with strong transferable skills.

You may be a great fit if you have experience in:

• Behaviour support


• Youth work


• Care or residential settings


• Sports coaching


• Mentoring roles


• Security roles with a people-focused approach


• Personal lived experience supporting challenging behaviour

Essential qualities

• Resilience and patience


• Ability to remain calm under pressure


• Strong behaviour management instincts


• Willingness to learn and adapt


• Reliability and consistency across both sites

Why Join?

• Supportive leadership team and SEMH specialists


• Clear progression and training opportunities


• A genuine opportunity to change young lives


• Potential for a permanent contract after the temp phase

If you're ready for a role where you can truly make an impact-and you can commit to working across both sites-we'd love to hear from you.

Apply now or contact us for more information.