At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people with SEMH needs in a non-traditional educational setting.
- Company: Join an innovative independent specialist provision in Newport.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, training opportunities, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Small class sizes and high staff-to-student ratios for personalised support.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive community helping vulnerable young people thrive.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEMH or challenging behaviours is essential.
The predicted salary is between 23400 - 29910 £ per year.
Location: Dragons RFC, Corporation Rd, Newport NP19 0BH
Hours: Full Time, Monday‑Friday (8:30am – 3:30pm)
Contract: Permanent (temp‑to‑perm)
Salary: £100 – £110 per day (including holiday pay)
We are recruiting SEMH Teaching Assistants to join an exciting new independent specialist provision opening in Newport. Working in partnership with the local community and supported by strong links with the Gwent Dragons, this innovative setting has been created to support young people aged 11‑14 who are currently unable to access mainstream education due to trauma, SEMH needs and other ALN/SEND. This provision is intentionally small, allowing staff to build meaningful relationships and deliver truly personalised support. The school will also have access to its own clinical therapy team and will combine trauma‑informed practice with innovative learning approaches to help young people re‑engage with education and thrive.
The Role
As an SEMH Teaching Assistant, you will play a vital role in supporting pupils both academically and emotionally. You will work alongside students as they access online learning programmes for English, Maths and Science. You will then deliver the wider curriculum activities with the support of the team. This rewarding work will help young people feel valued and understood. This is not a traditional classroom role. Building positive relationships will be at the heart of everything you do.
Your Responsibilities
- Supporting young people with SEMH and additional learning needs
- Working alongside pupils during online and face‑to‑face learning sessions
- Providing encouragement, emotional support, and positive role modelling
- Supporting community‑based learning and off‑site activities
- Assisting with student engagement outside the classroom environment
- Conducting outreach work and supporting home engagement where required
- Helping create a strong sense of belonging and community for every learner
- Transporting and collecting students when necessary (business insurance will be arranged for you)
Working Pattern
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday: On‑site provision
Wednesday: Community‑based activities, educational outings, sports engagement, outdoor learning, or home support visits
Hours: 8:30am – 3:30pm (30‑minute unpaid lunch)
About You
We are looking for individuals who are:
- Experienced in supporting children or young people with SEMH, SEND/ALN, or challenging behaviours
- Resilient, patient, and relationship‑focused
- Passionate about alternative education and trauma‑informed practice
- Comfortable working in a non‑traditional educational setting
- Confident supporting pupils both on‑site and in the community
- Able to work independently and use initiative
- Hold a full UK driving licence and have access to a vehicle
Desirable
- Experience within alternative provisions, PRUs, special schools, youth work, residential care, or outreach services
- Team Teach, PRICE, or other positive behaviour support training
- Experience supporting vulnerable or disengaged learners
What We Offer
- Opportunity to join a brand‑new provision from its launch phase
- Small class sizes and high staff‑to‑student ratios
- Training and professional development opportunities (Team Teach training provided)
- A clear temp‑to‑perm pathway of 20 5‑day weeks
- The chance to make a genuine difference to young people
If you are passionate about supporting vulnerable young people and want to be part of an innovative provision that puts relationships, wellbeing and outcomes first, we want to hear from you.
Additional Information
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 Newport employer: Five
Five Education is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to be part of a brand-new independent specialist provision in Newport. With a strong focus on building meaningful relationships and providing personalised support to vulnerable young people, the work culture prioritises wellbeing and professional development, including training opportunities like Team Teach. Employees can expect a rewarding experience that allows them to make a genuine difference in the lives of students while enjoying small class sizes and high staff-to-student ratios.
