At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with SEMH and additional needs through 1:1 assistance and supervision.
- Company: Five Education, a supportive and flexible educational provider in Sharpness.
- Benefits: Free training, DBS refund after 20 days, and a friendly work environment.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to safeguarding and promoting student welfare.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while working in a unique, hands-on setting.
- Qualifications: Experience with children with SEMH or additional needs and a valid UK driving licence.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Five Education is looking for a resilient, proactive, and committed Teaching Assistant to work within a highly alternative provision setting in Sharpness, Gloucestershire. This is a unique role supporting students who attend on a part‑time basis and have a wide range of needs, including SEMH, Autism (ASC), speech and language difficulties, and school refusal. Classes are very small, and much of the role involves 1:1 support, requiring strong relationship‑building skills and consistent supervision.
Due to the rural location of the school, you must have access to a car, as the setting is not accessible via public transport. The setting offers a highly flexible and therapeutic approach to learning, where education is adapted to meet each pupil's individual needs. For example, students may engage in learning outdoors, use sensory spaces, or take part in hands‑on projects such as gardening, growing vegetables, or building areas within the school grounds.
This role requires someone who is confident, adaptable, and always aware, as some pupils may struggle with engagement or move around the setting, requiring calm and consistent supervision.
The Role- Provide 1:1 support to students with SEMH, ASC, and additional needs
- Maintain a high level of supervision, ensuring pupils remain safe and supported
- Support learning in both indoor and outdoor environments, adapting to pupils' needs
- Build strong, trusting relationships to encourage engagement and participation
- A resilient, proactive, and calm individual who can respond to changing situations
- Experience working with children or young people with SEMH or additional needs
- Confidence in managing behaviour and maintaining consistent boundaries
- Valid UK driving license
- Right to work in the UK – we are unable to offer sponsorship or accept Skilled Worker visas
- Able to provide two recent references (from the last two years)
- Hold a current DBS check registered on the Update Service, or be willing to apply for one
Please note, if you do not have a Non‑Voluntary Enhanced DBS on the Update Service, we will need to help you process a new one at a cost of £62.70. This will be refunded after 20 days of work with us.
What can Five Education offer you?- Free specialised training in areas such as Team Teach, Makaton, PMLD/SLD Awareness, Autism Awareness, and more
- Free DBS (refunded when you work 20 days)
- Recommending a friend bonus scheme
- Specialist support/mentoring while you are working
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 an 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.
SEN/SEMH Teaching assistant in Berkeley employer: Five Education
Contact Detail:
Five Education Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SEN/SEMH Teaching assistant in Berkeley
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school and its values! Research Five Education and understand their approach to teaching. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff on LinkedIn or other platforms. They can provide insider tips about the role and the school culture, which can give you an edge in your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to SEMH and ASC support. Think of examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your resilience and adaptability—these are key traits for this role!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who want to make a difference in students' lives.
We think you need these skills to ace SEN/SEMH Teaching assistant in Berkeley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience with SEMH and ASC. We want to see how your skills match the unique needs of our students, so don’t hold back on sharing relevant examples!
Show Your Resilience: In your written application, let us know about times you've faced challenges and how you overcame them. We’re looking for someone who can stay calm and proactive in a dynamic environment, so share those stories!
Highlight Relationship-Building Skills: Since this role involves a lot of 1:1 support, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to build strong relationships. Share specific instances where you’ve successfully engaged with young people or supported their learning.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you started on this exciting journey with Five Education!
How to prepare for a job interview at Five Education
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Teaching Assistant in a SEMH/SEMH setting. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of students with SEMH and ASC, and think about how you can adapt your approach to support them effectively.
✨Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills
Since this role involves a lot of 1:1 support, be prepared to discuss your experience in building strong relationships with students. Think of examples where you've successfully engaged with young people, especially those with additional needs, and how you maintained their trust and participation.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Adaptability
The job requires someone who can adapt to changing situations. Be ready to share instances where you've had to think on your feet or adjust your methods to meet the needs of students. Highlight your ability to work in both indoor and outdoor environments, as well as your comfort with hands-on projects.
✨Prepare for Behaviour Management Scenarios
Expect questions about managing behaviour and maintaining boundaries. Prepare specific strategies you've used in the past to handle challenging situations calmly and effectively. This will show that you're proactive and resilient, which are key traits for this role.