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- Tasks: Support young people with SEMH needs in a nurturing learning environment.
- Company: Join The Leader Group, dedicated to transforming young lives.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, ongoing training, and career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children facing challenges.
- Qualifications: Emotionally resilient, caring, and willing to learn about SEMH and autism.
- Other info: Be part of a compassionate team making impactful changes daily.
The predicted salary is between 24500 - 26000 £ per year.
Salary: £24,500 - £26,000
Contract: Permanent
Location: Middlesbrough
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 3:30pm
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.
About the School:
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.
The Role:
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.
Key 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
We Are Looking For Someone Who Is:
- 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
In Return, We Offer:
- 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 in Thornaby-on-Tees employer: Leader Group
Contact Detail:
Leader Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Learning Support Assistant in Thornaby-on-Tees
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the education sector, especially those who work with SEMH needs. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a recommendation.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to supporting children with SEMH and autism. We suggest role-playing with a friend to build your confidence and refine your responses.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! During interviews, share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to helping young people with emotional and behavioural challenges. It’s all about making that connection!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find more resources and tips to help you land that Learning Support Assistant role.
We think you need these skills to ace Learning Support Assistant in Thornaby-on-Tees
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 make a difference in their lives.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of Learning Support Assistant. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with the job description, especially your understanding of trauma-informed practices.
Be Authentic: We want to see the real you! Be authentic in your application and don’t be afraid to share your thoughts on emotional resilience and how you handle challenging situations. This will help us get to know you better.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it makes the process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at Leader Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of a Learning Support Assistant inside out. Familiarise yourself with SEMH needs and trauma-informed practices. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely passionate about supporting young people.
✨Show Your Empathy
During the interview, be ready to share examples of how you've handled challenging situations with empathy and patience. The Leader Group is looking for someone who can build strong relationships with children, so highlight your ability to connect with others and remain calm under pressure.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask your interviewers. This shows that you're engaged and interested in the role. You might ask about the school's approach to supporting students with SEMH needs or how they foster a nurturing environment.
✨Be Yourself
Authenticity goes a long way in interviews. Be honest about your experiences and what you can bring to the team. The Leader Group values emotional resilience and a caring attitude, so let your personality shine through!
