Trauma Informed Teaching Assistant

Axcis Education Recruitment; Exeter; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 18,000; Full time

Job summary

Axcis Education are seeking a Trauma Informed Teaching Assistant to work full-time in a specialist secondary SEMH school in Exeter. You will support students aged 11–16 who have experienced trauma or adverse experiences, focusing on building trusted relationships, emotional regulation, and re-engagement with learning in a structured, safe environment.

Hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30am – 3:30pm, with a daily rate of £93–£95.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children or young people with SEMH or behavioural needs.
• Understanding of trauma-informed practice or willingness to train in it.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build trust.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils one-to-one and in small groups within and outside the classroom.
• Implement trauma-informed strategies to help manage behaviour and emotional responses.
• Work closely with teaching staff and therapists to meet individual needs.
• Create a safe, calm, and consistent environment to help students thrive.
• Promote self-regulation, resilience, and positive social interactions.

Skills

Trauma-informed practice

Communication skills

Patience and empathy

Job description

Axcis Education are seeking a Trauma Informed Teaching Assistant to work full‑time in a specialist secondary school supporting students with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.

About the Role

• Position: Trauma Informed Teaching Assistant
• Setting: Secondary SEMH school
• Location: Exeter
• Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am – 3:30pm
• Pay: £93 – £95 per day
• Start date: ASAP

In this role, you’ll be supporting students aged 11–16 who have often experienced trauma, disrupted education, or adverse childhood experiences. The role focuses on building trusted relationships, supporting emotional regulation, and helping students re‑engage with learning in a safe, structured environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Support pupils one-to-one and in small groups within and outside the classroom
• Implement trauma‑informed strategies to help manage behaviour and emotional responses
• Work closely with teaching staff and therapists to meet individual needs
• Create a safe, calm, and consistent environment to help students thrive
• Promote self‑regulation, resilience, and positive social interactions

What We’re Looking For

• Experience working with children or young people with SEMH or behavioural needs
• An understanding of trauma‑informed practice or a willingness to train in it
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build trust
• Patience, empathy, and the ability to remain calm under pressure
• A background in education, youth work, social care or psychology is desirable

Why Join Us

• A rewarding opportunity to make a real impact in students' lives
• Supportive staff team and ongoing professional development
• Term‑time only work, ideal for work‑life balance

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.