At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people with SEMH needs in a nurturing learning environment.
- Company: Join a compassionate team at a specialist independent school in Middlesbrough.
- Benefits: Ongoing training, career progression, and a supportive work culture.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people facing challenges.
- Qualifications: Emotionally resilient, caring, and willing to learn about SEMH and autism.
- Other info: Be part of a mission that transforms young lives every day.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 33600 £ 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.
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.
- 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 Middlesbrough employer: Leader Recruitment Group
Contact Detail:
Leader Recruitment Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Learning Support Assistant in Middlesbrough
✨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 opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to SEMH support. Think about your experiences and how they relate to the role. We want you to shine when it’s your turn to impress!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, share why you care about supporting young people with SEMH needs. Your enthusiasm can set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Learning Support Assistant in Middlesbrough
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 it helps us see your commitment.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Learning Support Assistant role. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with our mission and the challenges faced by our pupils.
Be Authentic: We value authenticity, so don’t be afraid to show your true self in your application. Share your thoughts on trauma-informed practices and how you would approach building trust with students who have faced difficulties.
Apply Through Our Website: For a smooth application process, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this rewarding opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Leader Recruitment Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of students with SEMH and autism. Understand 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 young people or handled difficult situations calmly.
✨Be Ready for Role-Play
Expect some role-play scenarios where you might need to demonstrate your approach to supporting a student in distress. Practise how you would handle various situations, focusing on emotional regulation and connection.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare insightful questions about the school's approach to supporting students with SEMH needs. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand if the environment aligns with your values and skills.