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- Tasks: Support pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs in small, nurturing classes.
- Company: Enlightenment Education, dedicated to making a difference in young people's lives.
- Benefits: Long-term stability, small class sizes, and ongoing professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by helping young people thrive in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEMH or additional needs, strong communication skills, and a compassionate approach.
- Other info: Flexible roles with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Location: Derby & surrounding areas
Contract: Long-term supply
Hours: Full-time, term-time Monday to Friday 8.30-3.30 with one after school meeting per week until 4.30pm
Start: Ongoing opportunities available
About the Role
We are seeking compassionate, resilient and proactive SEMH Teaching Assistants to support pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs in small, nurturing class environments. These roles are long-term placements within specialist provisions and alternative settings where positive relationships, consistency and patience make a real difference.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide tailored 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with SEMH needs
- Build trusting, supportive relationships that promote emotional regulation and engagement
- Assist the class teacher in delivering structured, accessible learning
- Use de-escalation strategies and restorative approaches to manage behaviour positively
- Support pupils with communication, confidence and social skills
- Contribute to a calm, safe and inclusive learning environment
- Work collaboratively with teachers, support staff and external professionals
- Record observations and contribute to pupil progress reviews where required
What We're Looking For
- Experience supporting children or young people with SEMH, challenging behaviour or additional needs
- A calm, empathetic and resilient approach
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills
- Ability to remain consistent, patient and solution-focused
- Flexibility to adapt to individual needs and changing situations
- A genuine passion for helping young people thrive
What You'll Gain
- Long-term stability within supportive, specialist settings
- Small class sizes allowing meaningful, focused support
- Ongoing guidance from Enlightenment Education
- Opportunities to develop your skills within SEMH and alternative provision environments
SEN Teaching Assistant in Chesterfield employer: Enlightenment Education
Contact Detail:
Enlightenment Education Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SEN Teaching Assistant in Chesterfield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector, especially those who work with SEMH needs. They might know of openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to SEMH support. Think about your experiences and how they align with the role. We want you to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've made a difference in students' lives. This will help you stand out as a compassionate candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace SEN Teaching Assistant in Chesterfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for supporting young people with SEMH shine through. We want to see your genuine interest in making a difference in their lives!
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have working with children or young people with SEMH needs. We love seeing how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your skills and experiences. Remember, less is often more!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Enlightenment Education
✨Know Your SEMH Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge about Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs. Familiarise yourself with common challenges these pupils face and the strategies that can help them thrive. This will show your passion and commitment to supporting young people.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
During the interview, share specific examples of how you've built trusting relationships with children or young people in the past. Highlight your calm and patient approach, as well as any de-escalation techniques you've successfully used. This will demonstrate your ability to connect with pupils who need extra support.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Prepare for questions that ask how you would handle specific situations involving challenging behaviour or emotional distress. Think through your responses and consider using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers clearly and effectively.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the role and the school environment. Inquire about the support systems in place for both staff and students, as well as opportunities for professional development. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
