At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with SEMH needs, helping them engage and manage their emotions.
- Company: Five Education, a supportive and inclusive educational provider.
- Benefits: Free specialised training, DBS refund, and mentoring support.
- Other info: Flexible hours available; part-time applicants welcome.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed; compassion and resilience are key.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
Five Education are recruiting a Teaching Assistant to work in a school supporting children with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs in Bridgwater. This is a rewarding role working with children who may have experienced trauma, have difficulties managing their emotions, or find it challenging to engage in a mainstream classroom environment. Pupils with SEMH needs often require consistent support, clear boundaries, and patient adults who can help them regulate their emotions and develop positive coping strategies.
The role involves supporting identified pupils with additional needs on a 1:1 basis or in small groups, helping them access education in a safe and supportive way. Full-time availability is preferred, but part-time applicants will also be considered.
Previous experience supporting children or young people with SEND, SEMH, or challenging behaviour is desirable but not essential. The right person will be calm, compassionate, resilient, and able to build trusting relationships with pupils who may struggle to engage with adults.
The role will involve:
- Supporting pupils throughout the school day to help them stay focused and engaged
- Helping pupils manage emotions, regulate behaviour, and remain calm during difficult moments
- Working with pupils 1:1 or in small groups
- Adapting learning activities to suit individual needs and abilities
- Creating a safe, consistent, and encouraging environment for learning
Who We're Looking For:
- Emotionally resilient and able to remain calm in challenging situations
- Confident, positive, and proactive communicator
- Able to build strong relationships with children who may struggle with trust or emotional regulation
- Previous experience is not essential; backgrounds in youth work, care, mental health, sport, or support work are highly valued
Essential requirements:
- 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
If you think this could be a job for you, please get in touch to find out more from Joseph. We are always available for an informal chat if you want to find out more about whether this role is suited to you.
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 employer's NI. 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 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.
SEMH Teaching Assistant in Bridgwater employer: Five Education
Five Education is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and nurturing work environment for those passionate about making a difference in the lives of children with SEMH needs. With access to free specialised training, a transparent PAYE payroll system, and a strong commitment to employee growth and mentoring, staff are empowered to develop their skills while contributing to a meaningful cause in Bridgwater. Join us to be part of a team that values compassion, resilience, and the importance of building trusting relationships with pupils.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEMH Teaching Assistant in Bridgwater
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school and its values! Research the school’s approach to supporting SEMH needs and think about how your skills align with their mission. This will help you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff on LinkedIn or social media. They can provide insights into the school culture and might even give you a heads-up about job openings.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to SEMH support. Think about scenarios where you’ve demonstrated patience and resilience, as these qualities are key for this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who want to make a difference in children’s lives.
We think you need these skills to ace SEMH Teaching Assistant in Bridgwater
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your experiences and what makes you passionate about supporting children with SEMH needs.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role. Mention any relevant experience, even if it’s not directly in education, like youth work or care – we value diverse backgrounds!
Show Your Compassion:Since this role is all about supporting children who may struggle emotionally, it’s important to convey your empathy and understanding in your application. Share examples of how you've helped others in challenging situations.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Five Education
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you understand what being a SEMH Teaching Assistant involves. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of children with Social, Emotional and Mental Health challenges. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're genuinely interested in supporting these pupils.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
During the interview, be prepared to discuss how you would handle challenging situations with children. Share examples from your past experiences where you've shown patience and compassion. This role requires a calm and understanding approach, so let your personality shine through!
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some questions about the school's approach to supporting SEMH needs or how they foster a positive learning environment. This shows that you're engaged and serious about making a difference in the lives of the pupils.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Even if you don't have direct experience in a teaching assistant role, think about any relevant skills or experiences you can bring to the table. Whether it's youth work, care, or even sports coaching, relate those experiences back to how they can help you support children with SEMH needs effectively.
