SEMH Teaching Assistants needed in Kings Norton in Birmingham

Location: Kings Norton, South Birmingham

Hours: Full-time/Part-time

Contract: Long-term/Permanent/Temporary

Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience

Are you passionate about making a genuine difference in the lives of young people who may have faced barriers to education? We are looking for a compassionate, resilient and dedicated SEMH Teaching Assistant to support primary and secondary-aged pupils with a range of Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, additional learning needs and behavioural challenges. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a supportive alternative provision setting in South Birmingham, where the focus is on helping young people re-engage with education, develop confidence and achieve their potential. The organisation has a strong charitable ethos, with the wellbeing, development and future opportunities of its pupils at the heart of its work. The setting supports a diverse community of young people, including pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds who may require additional pastoral, emotional and educational support. Staff play an important role in creating a safe, nurturing and inclusive environment where pupils feel valued, understood and supported to overcome barriers to learning.

About the Role:

• Provide individualised support to primary and secondary-aged pupils with SEMH, additional learning needs and behavioural needs, both within the classroom and through targeted interventions.
• Build positive, trusting relationships with young people, helping them to develop confidence, resilience and a more positive attitude towards education.
• Work collaboratively with teaching staff and the wider school community to provide consistent pastoral, emotional and educational support.
• Support pupils with emotional regulation, social development and managing behaviours that may present as barriers to learning.
• Encourage pupils to develop independence, life skills and positive relationships with those around them.
• Help create a calm, inclusive and nurturing learning environment where every pupil has the opportunity to make progress.
• Recognise and celebrate small steps and achievements, understanding that progress can look different for every young person.
• Work as part of a committed team to support the wider needs of pupils and contribute positively to the school community.

Requirements:

• Previous experience working with children or young people with SEMH, behavioural needs, additional learning needs or SEND.
• A calm, patient and empathetic approach, with the ability to remain consistent when supporting challenging or distressed behaviour.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with young people who may have experienced difficulties within education.
• A proactive and flexible approach, with a genuine commitment to supporting vulnerable and disadvantaged young people.
• The ability to work effectively as part of a wider school and support team.

Desirable:

• Relevant qualifications in education, childcare, health and social care, psychology or SEND (e.g. Level 2/3 Teaching Assistant, CACHE or similar).
• Experience working within SEN, PRU, alternative provision, youth work or other specialist settings.
• Understanding of trauma-informed approaches, emotional regulation and positive behaviour support.
• Experience supporting young people who have experienced barriers to mainstream education or come from disadvantaged backgrounds.

If you are passionate about helping young people overcome barriers, build confidence and re-engage with education, this could be an excellent opportunity to make a real and lasting difference as part of a supportive school community. Apply now or contact us for more information about this rewarding opportunity.

Aspire People Limited provides services as an Education Agency and an Education Employment Business. Aspire People is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and expects every candidate to share this commitment. Placements are subject to appropriate Child Protection screening, including checks with former employers and the Disclosure and Barring Checks.