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- Tasks: Support young people with social, emotional, and mental health challenges to thrive academically and emotionally.
- Company: A vibrant secondary school prioritising student wellbeing and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Professional development opportunities, supportive culture, and potential for a permanent role.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable young people while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEMH or SEN needs is preferred; empathy and strong communication skills are essential.
- Other info: Join a dedicated team and enjoy a welcoming, close-knit work environment.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Are you passionate about supporting young people facing social, emotional or mental health challenges? We are seeking a resilient, nurturing, and enthusiastic SEMH Teaching Assistant to join our secondary school team and support students who require additional help to thrive both academically and emotionally. This is a vital role within the school community — one where you'll directly impact the life chances of young people, helping them overcome barriers, develop emotional resilience, and re-engage with learning in a meaningful way. There is the chance to progress within the school — teacher training and CPD are possible for the right candidate. The work environment is a welcoming and close-knit one, where support starts at the top and each member of staff is valued for the incredible work done with some of our most vulnerable young people.
About the School: The school is a vibrant and inclusive secondary setting that places student wellbeing at the heart of everything they do. The school serves a diverse student population, including a number of learners with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, often linked to trauma, adverse childhood experiences, or neurodivergence (e.g. ADHD, autism). They have a strong pastoral and SEN team, including counsellors, mentors, and behaviour specialists. You'll be joining a dedicated and collaborative environment where relationships and consistency are key.
Your Responsibilities Will Include:
- Supporting students (primarily on a 1:1 or small group basis) with SEMH needs, helping them self-regulate, develop confidence, and engage positively with school life.
- Assisting teachers in managing behaviour in the classroom and maintaining a calm, inclusive learning environment.
- Delivering targeted interventions that focus on social skills, emotional literacy, confidence-building, and re-engagement.
- Working with multi-agency teams, including SENCOs, pastoral leads, and external specialists, to develop personalised strategies and support plans.
- Acting as a positive role model and building trusting, respectful relationships with students.
The Ideal Candidate Will Have:
- Previous experience working with children or young people with SEMH, SEN, or behavioural needs — this could be in a school, youth work, PRU, residential care, or alternative provision setting, fostering and counselling.
- A calm, patient, and empathetic approach — with the ability to de-escalate challenging behaviour and provide emotional containment.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- A commitment to safeguarding, inclusion, and promoting the welfare of all learners.
- Relevant qualifications (e.g., Level 2/3 in Supporting Teaching & Learning, psychology, or youth work) or training (e.g., Team Teach, MAPA, trauma-informed practice) — desirable but not essential.
Why Work With Us?
- A strong and experienced inclusion team who will support your professional development.
- Opportunities for ongoing CPD in areas such as trauma-informed practice, restorative approaches, behaviour support and a pathway to teaching.
- A genuinely supportive and caring school culture.
- Real opportunity to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable young people.
- Potential for a permanent role for the right candidate.
How to Apply: If you believe every student deserves to feel seen, supported, and safe — we want to hear from you. The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful applicant will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check and provide references.
Behaviour & Learning Support employer: Kent Teaching Solutions
Contact Detail:
Kent Teaching Solutions Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Behaviour & Learning Support
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school culture before your interview. Check out their website, social media, and any recent news. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to SEMH support. Use real-life examples from your experience to demonstrate how you can make a difference in students' lives.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to ask questions during the interview! Inquire about their approach to supporting students with SEMH needs and how they foster a collaborative environment. This shows you're engaged and ready to contribute.
✨Tip Number 4
After the interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that keeps you on their radar and reinforces your enthusiasm for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Behaviour & Learning Support
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for supporting young people shine through. Share any personal experiences or motivations that drive you to work in this field — we love to see genuine enthusiasm!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of SEMH Teaching Assistant. Highlight relevant experiences and skills that align with the job description, so we can see how you fit into our vibrant school community.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon, so we can easily understand your qualifications and experiences. Remember, clarity is key!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this vital role in supporting our students. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kent Teaching Solutions
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a SEMH Teaching Assistant inside out. Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges young people face regarding social, emotional, and mental health. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with the school's mission to support these students.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for supporting vulnerable young people shine through. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to making a difference in their lives. This will resonate with the interviewers and demonstrate that you genuinely care about the role.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since the role involves working closely with teachers and multi-agency teams, be prepared to discuss your collaborative skills. Give examples of how you've successfully worked in a team before, especially in challenging situations. This will show that you can contribute positively to the school's supportive environment.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the school’s approach to SEMH needs and professional development opportunities. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the school is the right fit for you.
