At a Glance
- Tasks: Support pupils with SEMH needs, helping them regulate emotions and engage in learning.
- Company: Specialist SEN school focused on emotional safety and academic development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, ongoing training, and clear career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable young people every day.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEMH or challenging behaviour; strong communication skills.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to staff wellbeing and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 21500 - 25000 £ per year.
This role is based at a specialist SEN school in Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, supporting pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, often alongside additional learning difficulties or neurodiversity such as ADHD or autism. The school caters for pupils aged 7–16 who have struggled to thrive in mainstream settings due to emotional regulation difficulties, trauma, anxiety, or behavioural challenges. Many pupils have experienced disrupted education and require a highly consistent, therapeutic, and relational approach. The school focuses on building trust, emotional safety, and self-regulation, alongside academic and life skills development. Staff are trained in trauma-informed practice and positive behaviour support, and the school prioritises staff wellbeing and teamwork.
As a SEN Teaching Assistant (SEMH), you will work closely with pupils who require significant emotional and behavioural support. You will help pupils regulate emotions, access learning, and develop coping strategies that enable them to engage positively with education. This is a demanding but highly rewarding role suited to individuals who are resilient, empathetic, and committed to supporting vulnerable young people. You will be a consistent and trusted adult, supporting pupils through moments of dysregulation and helping them re-engage with learning.
Key Responsibilities:- Provide one-to-one and small group support for SEMH pupils
- Support emotional regulation and behaviour management
- Implement behaviour support and risk reduction plans
- Assist pupils with accessing learning activities
- Support literacy, numeracy, and vocational learning
- Use de-escalation and restorative approaches
- Support pupils during transitions and unstructured times
- Build strong, trusting relationships with pupils
- Record incidents, progress, and observations accurately
- Work collaboratively with teachers, therapists, and families
- Maintain high safeguarding and professional standards
- Have experience supporting SEMH or challenging behaviour
- Be calm, resilient, and emotionally intelligent
- Understand trauma-informed and restorative practice
- Have strong communication and teamwork skills
- Be confident working with pupils with complex needs
- Hold a SEN or TA qualification (desirable)
- Be committed to safeguarding and inclusion
The school offers: SEMH and trauma-informed training, behaviour management and de-escalation training, ongoing mentoring and emotional support, clear progression routes within SEN education.
Safeguarding Statement:The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Enhanced DBS clearance is required.
SEN Teaching Assistant (Social, Emotional & Mental Health Needs) in Lincoln employer: Marchant Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Marchant Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SEN Teaching Assistant (Social, Emotional & Mental Health Needs) in Lincoln
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the education sector, especially those working with SEN. Attend local events or workshops to meet potential employers and get your name out there.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio that highlights your experience with SEMH and any relevant training you've had. This can really set you apart when you're chatting with hiring managers.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready for interviews! Research common questions for SEN Teaching Assistants and practice your responses. Think about how you can demonstrate your resilience and empathy during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it super easy to find roles that match your skills and interests. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team and making a difference in the lives of young people.
We think you need these skills to ace SEN Teaching Assistant (Social, Emotional & Mental Health Needs) in Lincoln
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic: When writing your application, let your true self shine through. We want to see your personality and passion for supporting young people with SEMH needs. Don’t be afraid to share your experiences and what drives you to work in this field!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific role of SEN Teaching Assistant (SEMH). Highlight your relevant skills and experiences that align with the job description, especially your understanding of trauma-informed practices and emotional regulation.
Showcase Your Skills: Use your application to demonstrate your calmness, resilience, and emotional intelligence. Share examples of how you've successfully supported individuals with challenging behaviours or complex needs in the past. This will help us see how you can make a difference!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Marchant Recruitment
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the specific needs of pupils with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) challenges. Familiarise yourself with trauma-informed practices and how they apply to education. This knowledge will show your commitment and readiness to support vulnerable young people.
✨Show Your Empathy
During the interview, be prepared to share examples of how you've demonstrated empathy and resilience in challenging situations. Highlight any experiences where you've successfully supported individuals with complex needs, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the school's approach to SEMH and how they support their staff. This not only shows your genuine interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the school’s values align with yours.
✨Be Yourself
Authenticity is key! The role requires building trusting relationships with pupils, so let your personality shine through. Be honest about your experiences and what drives you to work in this field, as this will help the interviewers see your potential fit within their team.