At a Glance
- Tasks: Support two pupils with SEMH needs in a primary school setting.
- Company: Join a welcoming primary school in Rugby with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Competitive day rate, ongoing training, and long-term opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative staff team and dedicated consultant support throughout your journey.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEMH or behavioural needs is preferred.
Location: Rugby, CV21
Contract: Long-term
Day Rate: £110
Start Date: September 2026
Commutable From: Coventry, Nuneaton, Leamington Spa, Warwick, Daventry
The Opportunity:
Long Term Futures are seeking a resilient and compassionate SEMH Learning Support Assistant to join a welcoming primary school in the CV21 area from September 2026. This rewarding 1:1 role involves supporting two pupils throughout the school day. During the morning, you will work closely with a Year 3 pupil with SEMH and Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), before providing dedicated support to a Year 5 pupil in the afternoon with similar needs.
A key focus of the role will be helping both pupils successfully reintegrate into the classroom, using consistent, relationship-based approaches to build trust, emotional regulation, and engagement with learning. You will be joining a highly supportive school with an experienced leadership team and a collaborative staff culture committed to helping every child succeed.
Your Key Responsibilities:
- Provide dedicated 1:1 support for a Year 3 pupil (morning) and Year 5 pupil (afternoon)
- Support pupils with SEMH needs and Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)
- Build strong, trusting relationships to encourage engagement and emotional wellbeing
- Implement behaviour support plans and de-escalation strategies
- Support pupils with successful reintegration into the classroom following periods of dysregulation
- Work closely with the class teachers, SENCO, and pastoral team to deliver consistent support
- Promote positive behaviour, resilience, and independence throughout the school day
- Monitor progress and contribute to personalised support strategies
Requirements:
- Previous experience supporting children with SEMH or behavioural needs
- Experience working with pupils with PDA or Autism is highly desirable
- Strong behaviour management and de-escalation skills
- Calm, resilient, and patient approach to supporting vulnerable pupils
- Ability to build positive relationships while maintaining clear boundaries
- Commitment to safeguarding and inclusive education
Why Long Term Futures?
- A dedicated consultant supporting you throughout the recruitment process
- Access to free CPD, including SEMH, Autism Awareness, Behaviour Management, and Safeguarding training
- Long-term/permanent opportunities within supportive school environments
- Join a school with a highly experienced, collaborative, and welcoming staff team
What’s Next?
- Apply with your updated CV
- Have an introductory call with our team
- Get matched with the right primary school in Rugby
- Attend a trial day or interview
- Start your new role in September with continued support from us
Please submit your application via the application page. All applicants must have an enhanced DBS and two references to be considered. Successful candidates will be contacted over the next few days. Long Term Futures is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants will be subject to safer recruitment checks including an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.
SEMH Learning Support Assistant in Rugby employer: Long Term Futures
Long Term Futures in Swadlincote is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises professional development and employee well-being. With benefits such as a £4,500 'Golden Hello', access to an on-site gym, and a generous pension scheme, we are committed to fostering growth and ensuring our staff feel valued and motivated in their roles.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEMH Learning Support Assistant in Rugby
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Long Term Futures.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Long Term Futures!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Long Term Futures, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Long Term Futures or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace SEMH Learning Support Assistant in Rugby
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Long Term Futures:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Long Term Futures! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Long Term Futures
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.