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- Tasks: Support young people with SEMH needs in a nurturing learning environment.
- Company: Join The Leader Group, a compassionate team dedicated to changing lives.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, ongoing training, and career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children facing challenges every day.
- Qualifications: Emotionally resilient, caring, and willing to learn about SEMH and autism.
- Other info: Be part of a mission that prioritises emotional safety and connection.
The predicted salary is between 24500 - 26000 £ per year.
Are you passionate about supporting young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs? The Leader Group are seeking a committed, emotionally resilient, and trauma-informed SEN Teaching Assistant to join our dedicated team based in one of our specialist independent schools in Middlesbrough.
Our specialist provision supports children aged 11 to 19 with significant social, emotional, and behavioural needs. Pupils often arrive with histories of trauma, disrupted education, and limited trust in adults or systems. Many present with behaviours such as sexualised language, verbal and physical aggression, and a lack of familiarity with structure or routine. Provide a nurturing, highly individualised learning environment that prioritises emotional safety and connection.
You will work closely with teachers to deliver personalised support, helping students access education at their pace while building trust and emotional regulation skills. This is a challenging but deeply rewarding role for someone who can remain calm, patient, and emotionally available even in difficult moments.
Responsibilities- Provide 1:1 and small group support to pupils with SEMH needs and autism
- Respond to behaviour with empathy, consistency, and a trauma-informed mindset
- Help pupils navigate emotional dysregulation and challenging interactions
- Support children who use sexualised language or may become physically or verbally aggressive
- Work as part of a therapeutic team to create a safe, engaging learning environment
- Emotionally resilient – able to stay calm and supportive under pressure
- Caring and engaging – builds strong, respectful relationships with children
- Trauma-informed – understands the roots of behaviour and responds with empathy
- Patient and grounded – able to absorb behaviours without taking them personally
- Experienced or willing to learn about supporting pupils with SEMH, autism, and complex trauma
- A supportive, well-trained, and compassionate team
- Ongoing CPD in trauma-informed practice and SEND strategies
- Career progression opportunities within a respected national education group
- The chance to be part of a mission that changes young lives every day
This role isn’t for everyone – but if you’re ready to support children who’ve been through the hardest starts in life, and help them find safety, learning, and hope again, we want to hear from you.
All successful applicants are subject to DBS and safeguarding checks. The Leader Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and all applicants must go through a thorough vetting procedure, including enhanced DBS and reference checks.
Learning Support Assistant employer: Leader Education
Contact Detail:
Leader Education Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Learning Support Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the education sector, especially those who work with SEMH needs. You never know who might have a lead on a job or can give you insider info about the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to supporting children with SEMH and autism. Think about your experiences and how they relate to the role – we want to hear your stories!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! When you get the chance to speak with potential employers, let them know why you care about supporting young people with challenging behaviours. Your enthusiasm can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our mission to change young lives.
We think you need these skills to ace Learning Support Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for supporting young people with SEMH needs shine through. Share personal experiences or motivations that drive you to work in this field, as we love to see genuine enthusiasm!
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Learning Support Assistant. Highlight relevant experience, skills, and any training you've had in trauma-informed practices or working with children with complex needs. We want to see how you fit into our team!
Be Honest About Your Experience: If you’re new to this type of role, don’t worry! Be honest about your willingness to learn and grow. We appreciate candidates who are open about their journey and eager to develop their skills in supporting children with SEMH needs.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our mission!
How to prepare for a job interview at Leader Education
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the specific needs of students with SEMH and autism. Familiarise yourself with trauma-informed practices and be ready to discuss how you would apply these in real-life scenarios during the interview.
✨Show Your Empathy
Prepare examples that showcase your ability to respond to challenging behaviours with empathy and patience. Think about times when you've successfully built trust with someone who was initially difficult to engage.
✨Be Ready for Role-Play
Expect some role-play scenarios where you might need to demonstrate how you would handle specific situations with students. Practising these scenarios beforehand can help you feel more confident and prepared.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few insightful questions ready about the school's approach to supporting students with SEMH needs. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
