SEMH Support Worker - SEN Teaching Assistant in Manchester

Location: South Manchester

Contract: Full Time, Permanent

Hours: Monday–Friday, School Hours

Students: KS3 & KS4

Role: SEN Teaching Assistant / SEMH Support Worker

Are you an experienced SEMH Support Worker, Residential Support Worker, Youth Worker or Care Professional looking to make the move into education? Astro Education is working with a specialist SEN school in South Manchester that is looking for a committed and compassionate SEMH Teaching Assistant to join their team on a full-time, permanent basis. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with experience supporting young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, challenging behaviour or complex emotional needs, who is looking to transfer their skills into a school environment.

About the Role

You will work closely with KS3 and KS4 pupils aged approximately 11–16, providing consistent, nurturing and structured support throughout the school day. The successful candidate will play an important role in helping pupils engage with education, develop positive relationships and manage their emotional and behavioural needs. You will work alongside teachers and the wider pastoral and SEN team to create a safe, supportive and positive learning environment. The role will involve supporting pupils within the classroom and throughout the wider school environment, including providing one-to-one and small-group support where required. You will encourage pupils to participate in lessons, develop confidence in their learning and build greater independence. A key part of the role will be developing positive and trusting relationships with pupils while maintaining clear boundaries and consistent expectations. You will use de-escalation, positive behaviour support and emotional regulation strategies to help pupils manage difficult situations and remain engaged with school. You will also work closely with teachers, SEN staff, pastoral teams and external professionals, contributing to individual support plans and sharing relevant information about pupil progress, behaviour and wellbeing.

Who We Are Looking For

We are particularly interested in candidates who already have experience supporting young people through SEMH residential care, children's residential settings, youth work, behaviour support, social care, alternative provision or SEN environments. Previous school-based experience is not essential. We are keen to hear from experienced support workers and care professionals who understand how to build relationships with young people, manage challenging behaviour and provide consistent emotional support. The successful candidate will be patient, calm and resilient, with the ability to remain professional during challenging situations. You will need to be confident working as part of a team, maintaining appropriate boundaries and putting the wellbeing and development of young people at the centre of your work. Most importantly, you will have a genuine desire to help young people who may have struggled within mainstream education to feel supported, valued and able to succeed.

Why Consider This Role?

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced SEMH Support Worker or Residential Support Worker to move into education while continuing to use the skills and experience they have already developed. You will join a specialist SEN environment and work alongside teachers and experienced education professionals, gaining valuable classroom experience while supporting pupils across KS3 and KS4. The role is full-time and permanent, offering a Monday–Friday school-based working pattern, with opportunities to develop your experience and progress within the education and SEN sector.

Ideal Background

This position would suit candidates currently working as an SEMH Support Worker, Residential Support Worker, Residential Childcare Worker, Youth Worker, Behaviour Support Worker, Children's Support Worker, Care Worker, SEN Support Worker, Learning Support Assistant or Teaching Assistant. If you have experience supporting young people aged 11–16 with SEMH needs and are ready to take the next step into education, we would be keen to hear from you. Apply now through Astro Education to be considered for this exciting full-time, permanent opportunity at a specialist SEN school in South Manchester.