Are you passionate about supporting young people who face barriers to learning? Do you have the patience, resilience and understanding to help pupils develop confidence, manage their emotions and achieve their potential?
We are seeking a dedicated, compassionate and resilient Supply SEMH Teaching Assistant to work within an alternative provision setting, supporting children and young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is committed to helping young people overcome challenges, re-engage with education and develop the skills they need to succeed.
Job Description
As a Supply SEMH Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with teachers and pastoral staff to provide tailored support to pupils who may have experienced difficulties within mainstream education.
You will help create a safe, structured and supportive learning environment where pupils feel valued, understood and encouraged to achieve their best.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Providing one-to-one and small-group support to pupils with SEMH needs.
- Building positive, trusting relationships with young people who may display challenging behaviour.
- Supporting pupils to regulate their emotions, develop coping strategies and manage their behaviour.
- Encouraging engagement in learning, positive choices and personal development.
- Supporting the implementation of individual behaviour support plans and learning strategies.
- Using positive behaviour management approaches and de-escalation techniques.
- Working collaboratively with teachers, pastoral teams and other professionals.
- Promoting safeguarding, inclusion and the wellbeing of all pupils.
- Helping pupils develop confidence, resilience, social skills and independence.
- Adapting to the changing needs of the provision and providing consistent, reliable support.
The ideal candidate:
We are looking for someone who is:
- Patient, empathetic and emotionally resilient.
- Confident supporting young people with complex behavioural, emotional and social needs.
- Able to build positive relationships while maintaining clear, consistent boundaries.
- Calm and confident when managing challenging situations.
- Skilled at using positive behaviour strategies and de-escalation techniques.
- Flexible, proactive and able to adapt to different pupils and situations.
- Committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
- Passionate about helping pupils overcome barriers to education and achieve positive outcomes.
Previous experience in an alternative provision, SEMH school, Pupil Referral Unit (PRU), youth work, residential care or a similar setting would be advantageous.
Relevant training or experience in behaviour support, trauma-informed practice or positive handling approaches would also be beneficial.
Why Apply?
- Flexible supply opportunities to suit your availability.
- The opportunity to make a genuine difference to young people’s lives.
- Valuable experience within alternative provision and specialist education.
- The opportunity to develop your skills and experience in SEMH support.
- A rewarding role where building positive relationships can have a lasting impact.
