At a Glance
- Tasks: Support primary pupils with SEMH needs, building trust and promoting engagement.
- Company: Connex Education, dedicated to nurturing inclusive learning environments.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, professional development, flexible opportunities, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Opportunities for career progression and funded qualifications available.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Passion for supporting children, strong communication skills, and resilience.
The predicted salary is between 23000 - 27000 £ per year.
Connex Education is currently recruiting passionate and dedicated Primary SEMH Teaching Assistants to support a variety of primary schools across Taunton from September 2026. These roles involve working within mainstream primary schools, supporting pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, behavioural challenges, trauma-informed needs and additional learning needs. You may also work with children with Autism (ASC), ADHD, communication difficulties and other SEND requirements, providing tailored support to help them engage positively with learning and school life.
We are looking for compassionate, resilient and adaptable individuals who are committed to helping pupils overcome barriers to learning and achieve their full potential within supportive and nurturing primary school environments. Opportunities are available on a day-to-day, short-term, and long-term basis, offering flexibility to suit your availability and career goals.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Supporting primary-aged pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs within the classroom and around the school
- Building positive, trusting relationships that promote emotional wellbeing, confidence and engagement
- Supporting pupils with their learning, behaviour and social development through individual and small group interventions
- Working alongside teachers, SENDCos and pastoral staff to deliver tailored support strategies
- Helping to create a safe, nurturing and inclusive learning environment where every child can thrive
Why This Opportunity is Ideal
- Gain valuable experience supporting pupils with SEMH needs within mainstream primary education
- Develop your behaviour management, communication and de-escalation skills
- Build meaningful relationships with local primary schools and education professionals
- Enhance your CV with rewarding and varied SEND experience
- Access ongoing support from education specialists with expertise in SEND and SEMH
What We’re Looking For
- Experience working with children or young people, ideally within education, care or support settings (desirable but not essential)
- A genuine passion for supporting primary-aged children with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs
- Strong communication, resilience and interpersonal skills
- A calm, patient and adaptable approach to supporting pupils with a range of additional needs
- Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people
- An Enhanced DBS on the Update Service, or willingness to obtain one through Connex Education
About the Schools
We work with a network of welcoming and inclusive primary schools across Taunton, supporting pupils with a range of Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs. These schools are committed to providing nurturing learning environments where every child feels safe, valued and supported to achieve their full potential. Staff work collaboratively to deliver personalised support that enables pupils to succeed both academically and emotionally.
Why Choose Connex Education?
- Competitive daily pay rates
- Weekly PAYE pay – no umbrella companies
- Free access to our Classroom Teacher and SEND Toolkits for professional development
- Career progression opportunities through our professional development pathways
- Wellbeing support and refresher training for modern educational settings
- A dedicated SEND specialist consultant to support your career journey
- Flexible opportunities across SEMH provisions
- Funded formal qualifications including Level 2 SEND, Level 3 Teaching & Learning, Level 4 HLTA, and Level 5 TEFL
All offers are conditional upon satisfactory background checks, including references and an enhanced DBS check. Connex Education Partnership is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and candidates to share this commitment. Connex Education Partnership is an equal opportunities employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants.
SEMH Primary Teaching Assistant in Ashton-under-Lyne employer: Connex Education
Connex Education Partnership is an exceptional employer, offering a flexible working environment that allows PMLD Tutors to tailor their schedules while making a meaningful impact on the lives of students with complex needs. With a strong commitment to professional development, including access to a comprehensive Tutor Toolkit and ongoing support, employees are empowered to grow in their roles and achieve excellence in tutoring. The inclusive work culture fosters collaboration with parents and professionals, ensuring a supportive atmosphere where every achievement is celebrated.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEMH Primary Teaching Assistant in Ashton-under-Lyne
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Connex Education.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Connex Education!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Connex Education, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Connex Education or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace SEMH Primary Teaching Assistant in Ashton-under-Lyne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Connex Education:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Connex Education! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Connex Education
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
