At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with SEMH and additional needs through 1:1 assistance in a flexible learning environment.
- Company: Five Education, dedicated to providing tailored support for diverse learners.
- Benefits: Free specialised training, DBS refund after 20 days, and a transparent PAYE payroll system.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and enjoy opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while gaining valuable experience in education.
- Qualifications: Resilient, proactive individuals with experience in supporting children with additional needs.
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
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 the 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.
SEN/SEMH Teaching assistant employer: Five Education
Contact Detail:
Five Education Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SEN/SEMH Teaching assistant
✨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 experience that demonstrate your resilience and adaptability, as 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
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 Passion: Let your enthusiasm for supporting young people shine through! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely excited about making a difference in the lives of students with additional needs.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key points stand out and are easy to read. This helps us get a quick sense of who you are!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application via our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
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 Autism and other challenges. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills
Since this role involves a lot of 1:1 support, be prepared to discuss how you've built strong relationships with students in the past. Share specific examples of how you've engaged with children who have additional needs, and highlight your ability to adapt your approach based on individual requirements.
✨Demonstrate Your Adaptability
In an alternative provision setting, things can change quickly. Be ready to talk about times when you've had to adapt your teaching style or approach to meet the needs of different learners. This will show that you can handle the dynamic nature of the role and remain calm under pressure.
✨Prepare for Behaviour Management Scenarios
Expect questions about managing behaviour and maintaining boundaries. Think of specific strategies you've used in the past to support students with challenging behaviours. This will illustrate your confidence and capability in handling various situations that may arise in the classroom.