Teaching Assistant (SEMH)

Plaistow Hill Primary and Nursery School; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

Plaistow Hill Primary and Nursery School in Plymouth seeks a caring SEMH Teaching Assistant to support pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs, helping them engage with learning with confidence. Working with teachers, SEND and pastoral staff, you will provide targeted support to individuals and small groups, helping pupils regulate emotions, build resilience and form positive relationships.

This role offers training opportunities and the chance to make a real difference in a

Qualifications

• Experience working with children in a school or similar setting.
• Ability to build positive relationships with pupils, families and colleagues.
• Understanding of children's social, emotional and mental health needs.
• Calm, patient and resilient when supporting children through challenges.
• Commitment to safeguarding and inclusive practices.
• Willingness to undertake training and develop SEMH knowledge and skills.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs to engage with learning.
• Work with teachers, SEND and pastoral staff to provide targeted support.
• Help pupils regulate emotions and build resilience.
• Build trusting relationships and foster an inclusive environment.

Skills

Experience with children

Relationships

SEMH knowledge

Calm & resilient

Safeguarding

Training willingness

Job description

Are you passionate about supporting children to overcome barriers to learning and achieve their full potential?

We are seeking a caring, resilient and committed SEMH Teaching Assistant to join our dedicated team. This role will focus on supporting the social, emotional and mental health needs of pupils across the school, helping them to develop confidence, resilience and positive relationships so they can engage successfully in learning.

Working closely with teachers, SEND and pastoral staff, you will provide targeted support to individual pupils and small groups, helping children to regulate their emotions, manage challenges and thrive both academically and personally. You will build strong, trusting relationships with pupils and play a key role in creating a nurturing and inclusive environment where every child feels safe, valued and supported.

The successful candidate will:

• Have experience working with children in a school or similar setting.
• Be able to build positive and effective relationships with pupils, families and colleagues.
• Have a good understanding of children's social, emotional and mental health needs.
• Be calm, patient and resilient when supporting children through challenges.
• Be committed to safeguarding, inclusion and ensuring the best outcomes for all pupils.
• Be willing to undertake training and develop specialist SEMH knowledge and skills.

In return, we offer a welcoming and supportive team, opportunities for professional development and the chance to make a genuine difference to the lives of children and young people.

This position is linked to finite funding and is due to end 31st October 2027.

Visits to the school are warmly welcomed.

About the school Plaistow Hill Primary and Nursery school is a small one form entry school in Plymouth. We pride ourselves on having a village school feeling in the city. We have great relationships with children and families ensuring a holistic approach to learning. Our dedicated staff have formed close working relationships to foster growth and collaboration. We are situated close to local woodland where we regularly have forest school sessions and our outdoor space provides perfect opportunities for outdoor learning. We look forward to welcoming you to our friendly school.

About the Trust
The Learning Academies Trust is a family of 18 schools across Plymouth and surrounding areas, dedicated to delivering outstanding education to all our children, whatever their starting point or background. Our Trust’s mission is:

Together we will… work with our children, families, and communities to provide exceptional learning opportunities for all our children

As part of the trust, we will support you to learn and develop, providing outstanding CPD and opportunities for collaboration between schools within the trust sharing resources, expertise and knowledge.

Further information about the position, the trust and the benefits we offer can be found in the attached recruitment pack.

Please note, the closing date is for guidance only. Successful applicants will be invited to interview at the earliest available opportunity. Learning Academies Trust reserves the right to close the vacancy early if a suitable candidate is found.

With 18 individual primary schools, the Learning Academies Trust is the largest primary school trust in Plymouth and the first education employer in Plymouth to achieve the Livewell Southwest Wellbeing at Work Bronze Award. The Trust is committed to supporting the wellbeing of all staff and is proud to work closely with official bodies to ensure we have a holistic approach to staff wellbeing.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and we expect all staff to share this commitment. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974; pre-employment checks will be carried out; references will be sought for all shortlisted candidates and all shortlisted candidates will be requested to complete a questionnaire about any convictions or adult cautions that are unspent. Guidance will be given to those shortlisted. Appointment is subject to an Enhanced DBS.