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- Tasks: Support children with SEMH needs in a fun and engaging learning environment.
- Company: Five Education is a leading provider of educational support in the South West.
- Benefits: Enjoy free training, a recommend-a-friend bonus, and competitive pay as a Living Wage employer.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while working in a supportive and friendly team.
- Qualifications: Experience with children or vulnerable adults and a relevant DBS check are essential.
- Other info: Term-time only role with flexible hours; perfect for students seeking meaningful work.
Five Education are looking to recruit an SEMH Teaching Assistant/ LSA in Bristol. As a Teaching Assistant, you will have the opportunity to work closely with identified children and young people, encouraging them to learn and challenge themselves. Some of the pupils have a diagnosis of Special Education Needs (SEN) such as Autism or ADHD and/or mental health challenges. Other children at the school have conditions such as Down's Syndrome and GDD. Some of the children experience Social and Emotional Mental Health (SEMH) needs.
The role is located in Bristol, a car is advantageous but not essential to get to the school. The work is 5 days a week, term time only and the hours are 8:30-15:30. You would be working 1:1 with children, at times the ratio of adults to children may be 2:1.
The successful candidate will have knowledge and experience of working with children, young people or adults who display challenging behaviour. You will need to be compassionate, resilient and be able to establish an excellent rapport with hard-to-reach pupils. The school has excellent facilities and the right person will be joining a welcoming and committed staff team.
Responsibilities and duties:
- Supporting 1:1 in class and around the school.
- Help the pupils to access the curriculum and possibly tailor the lesson of the activity to their level of ability.
- Make learning fun, enjoyable and accessible.
- Be a support to the pupils when they are struggling, and help them to calm down and remain focussed.
Essential Criteria:
- 2 years worth of references, 1 has to be working with children or vulnerable adults (needs to be recent and this could be paid or volunteer work)
- A relevant DBS/Police checks.
- Able to work between 08.30-15.30, 2-5 days a week.
What can Five Education offer you?
- One of the best supply experiences in The South West - check out our google reviews!
- Free specialised, in-person training in areas such as Team Teach, Makaton, PMLD/SLD Awareness, Autism Awareness, and more.
- Recommend a friend bonus scheme.
- Initial DBS cost if not on the Update Service - This is reimbursed after 20 days of working with us.
- Specialist support/mentoring while you are working.
The pay rate is £13.00.* an hour. The day is 7 hours with an unpaid 30 min lunch break *Including holiday pay. Pay: Five Education operates a PAYE payroll; this is the most transparent way to be paid with no hidden fees such as admin fee or employers NI. We are also proud to be an accredited Living Wage employer. Please note pay rate is for illustration and does include holiday pay.
Vetting: Five Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all of the staff we employ to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to undergo checks including reference checks, TRA checks and will need to have a DBS; there will also be a face-to-face interview.
We welcome and encourage job applications from people of all backgrounds. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as they are currently under-represented at this level.
Contact Helen on 0117 422 6167.
SEMH TA employer: Five Education Recruitment Limited
Contact Detail:
Five Education Recruitment Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SEMH TA
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of children with SEMH and other SEN conditions. Understanding their challenges will help you connect better during interviews and demonstrate your commitment to supporting these pupils.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the education sector, especially those who work with SEMH or SEN students. Engaging with them can provide insights into the role and may even lead to recommendations or referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss real-life scenarios where you've successfully supported children or young people with challenging behaviour. Sharing specific examples will showcase your experience and ability to handle similar situations.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Five Education and their approach to supporting SEMH needs. Being knowledgeable about their values and training opportunities will show your genuine interest in joining their team.
We think you need these skills to ace SEMH TA
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the SEMH Teaching Assistant position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences and skills that align with the role.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous experience working with children or vulnerable adults, especially those with challenging behaviour or special educational needs. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills in this area.
Showcase Your Skills: Mention key skills such as compassion, resilience, and the ability to build rapport with hard-to-reach pupils. Provide examples of how you've successfully supported students in the past, particularly in managing their emotional and social needs.
Prepare for the Interview: If selected for an interview, prepare by thinking about potential questions related to your experience with SEMH needs and how you would handle various classroom situations. Be ready to discuss your approach to making learning accessible and enjoyable for all students.
How to prepare for a job interview at Five Education Recruitment Limited
✨Show Your Passion for Education
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for working with children, especially those with SEMH needs. Share any personal experiences or motivations that led you to pursue this role, as it will demonstrate your commitment and understanding of the challenges these pupils face.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience working with children or vulnerable adults, particularly those with challenging behaviour. Be specific about the strategies you used to support them and how you tailored your approach to meet their individual needs.
✨Demonstrate Empathy and Resilience
During the interview, showcase your ability to empathise with students facing difficulties. Share examples of how you've remained resilient in challenging situations and how you’ve helped others to calm down and refocus when they struggle.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the school's approach to supporting SEMH needs and the resources available for staff. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute effectively to the team.
