Behaviour & Learning Support in Chatham

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