At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with SEMH needs, helping them manage emotions and stay engaged in learning.
- Company: Five Education, dedicated to supporting vulnerable children in a nurturing environment.
- Benefits: Free training, DBS refund, mentoring, and a friendly team atmosphere.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to safeguarding and promoting children's welfare.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your skills in a rewarding role.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed; backgrounds in care or youth work are valued.
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 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 and 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 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.
SEMH Teaching Assistant in Bridgwater employer: Five
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 free specialised training, a robust mentoring system, and a commitment to employee well-being, staff are empowered to grow both personally and professionally while working in the vibrant community of Bridgwater. Join us to be part of a team that values resilience, compassion, and the transformative power of education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEMH Teaching Assistant in Bridgwater
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Five.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Five!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Five, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Five or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace SEMH Teaching Assistant in Bridgwater
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Five:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Five! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Five
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
