Teaching Assistant - SEN/SEMH

Teaching Personnel; Cambridgeshire and Peterborough; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking dedicated SEN & SEMH Teaching Assistants to join their alternative provision schools. This full-time, permanent role offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of children with special educational needs. You will provide tailored support to students facing various challenges, helping them engage with learning and develop vital social skills. With a focus on compassion and resilience, you will work closely with teachers and professionals to create a nurturing environment. If you have a passion for making a difference and are ready for a fulfilling career, this position is perfect for you.

Benefits

Opportunities for career progression

Professional development

Supportive school environment

Training for new candidates

Qualifications

• Experience with children with SEN or SEMH needs is desirable but not essential.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Provide individualized support to students in small groups or one-to-one.
• Assist teachers in implementing learning strategies and behavior management.

Skills

Empathy

Communication Skills

Teamwork

Resilience

Patience

Education

Experience in schools or childcare

Training in SEN or SEMH

Job description

Job Title: SEN & SEMH Teaching Assistant (Full-Time, Permanent)
Location: East and West Cornwall
Positions Available: Multiple

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) and Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs? Do you thrive in a role where every day is different and brings new challenges? If so, we want to hear from you!

We are seeking dedicated and resilient SEN & SEMH Teaching Assistants to join our alternative provision schools across both East and West Cornwall. This is a full-time, permanent position supporting students with a variety of complex needs, including but not limited to:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
• Speech, language, and communication difficulties
• Attachment and trauma-related behaviours
• Anxiety and school refusal
• Social, emotional, and mental health difficulties (SEMH)

Working within an alternative provision setting, you will support students who may have struggled in mainstream education due to behavioural challenges, emotional dysregulation, or past trauma. Many of our students require a flexible, patient, and compassionate approach to help them rebuild confidence and re-engage with learning.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing individualised support to students, either one-to-one or in small groups.
• Assisting the class teacher in implementing differentiated learning strategies and behaviour management plans.
• Managing challenging behaviours using de-escalation techniques and trauma-informed practices.
• Supporting students in developing social skills, resilience, and coping strategies.
• Encouraging engagement in education through a range of academic, vocational, and therapeutic activities.
• Working closely with teachers, therapists, parents, and external professionals to ensure the best outcomes for each child.

Working in an alternative provision setting can be both challenging and incredibly rewarding. You may encounter students who:

• Struggle with emotional regulation and display aggressive or avoidant behaviours.
• Have low self-esteem and need encouragement to believe in their abilities.
• Require structured routines and consistent support to feel safe and secure in the school environment.
• Show significant progress with the right interventions, leading to increased confidence, engagement, and personal growth.

No two days are the same, and while the role can be demanding, the rewards of seeing students overcome barriers and achieve their potential make it incredibly fulfilling.

We welcome applications from individuals with experience in schools, childcare, youth work, or mental health settings. However, we also offer training for those who are new to the sector but have a genuine passion for working with children with SEN and SEMH needs.

Minimum requirements include:

• Experience working with children with SEN, SEMH needs, or challenging behaviour (desirable but not essential).
• A patient, empathetic, and resilient nature.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• A willingness to learn and adapt to different challenges.
• A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

We offer:

• A permanent, full-time position in a supportive school environment.
• A chance to work in a dynamic, specialist setting where you can make a real impact.
• Opportunities for career progression and professional development.
• Training for candidates new to the sector.
• A highly rewarding role where no two days are the same!

If you are ready to embark on a meaningful journey, we encourage you to apply!