At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide 1:1 support to learners with SEMH needs and help them thrive in school.
- Company: New Directions Education, dedicated to making a difference in young people's lives.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, work in supportive environments, and make a real impact.
- Other info: Join a team that values inclusion and supports every learner's success.
- Why this job: Be the steady presence that helps a young person navigate their school day.
- Qualifications: Calm, patient, and compassionate individuals with an interest in trauma-informed practice.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
Are you someone who enjoys building strong, meaningful relationships and being the steady, supportive presence a young person can rely on? Do you want a role where your patience, empathy, and understanding truly make a difference every single day? New Directions Education is looking for kind, committed, and resilient 1:1 Teaching Assistants to support learners with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs across a range of Pontefract‑based settings. This is a deeply rewarding role where you’ll work 1:1 with a learner, helping them feel safe, understood, and supported so they can engage more positively with school life.
What makes this role special? You’ll be that consistent adult who helps a young person navigate their school day — celebrating small wins, offering calm support during challenging moments, and helping them build confidence, trust, and emotional regulation skills. Every day will be different, but the impact you have will be lasting.
We’d love to hear from you if you:
- Are calm, patient, and compassionate, even when things feel challenging
- Have experience or an interest in trauma‑informed practice and therapeutic behaviour support
- Are Team‑Teach trained, or confident using positive behaviour management strategies
- Feel confident supporting emotional regulation and behaviour
- Truly believe in inclusion and giving every learner the chance to succeed
What your role will involve:
- Providing dedicated 1:1 support tailored to the individual needs of a learner
- Supporting emotional regulation and behaviour using positive, trauma‑informed approaches
- Helping the pupil engage with learning and access the curriculum
- Offering support during transitions, unstructured times, and throughout the school day
- Building a strong, trusted relationship that helps the learner feel safe and supported
- Working closely with teachers, SENCOs, and pastoral teams to ensure consistent support
- Monitoring progress and contributing to support plans and pupil reviews
Why you’ll love this role:
- Make a genuine difference in one young person’s life
- See the impact of your support day by day
- Gain valuable experience in SEMH and inclusive education
- Work within supportive schools and teams across Pontefract
- Feel proud of the role you play in a learner’s journey
If you’re reliable, caring, and motivated by helping young people overcome challenges, we would love to hear from you.
121 Teaching Assistant employer: New Directions Holdings Limited
New Directions Education is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff while making a profound impact on the lives of young learners. With a supportive work culture that values patience, empathy, and resilience, employees are encouraged to grow through valuable experiences in SEMH and inclusive education. Working in Pontefract offers the unique advantage of being part of a community-focused environment where your contributions are celebrated and meaningful.
Contact Detail:
New Directions Holdings Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 121 Teaching Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in education, join relevant groups on social media, and attend local events. The more people you know, the better your chances of hearing about opportunities that might not even be advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to SEMH needs. Think about how you would handle specific situations and be ready to share your experiences. We want you to shine and show how your skills can make a difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for supporting young people! During interviews or networking, share stories that highlight your patience and empathy. Let them see how committed you are to making a positive impact in a learner's life.
✨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 take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace 121 Teaching Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for supporting young people shine through. Share personal experiences or stories that highlight your patience and empathy, as these qualities are key to the role.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to the specific needs of the role. Mention any relevant experience you have with SEMH or trauma-informed practices, and how you can apply these in a 1:1 setting.
Be Authentic:We want to see the real you! Don’t be afraid to express your personality in your application. Authenticity goes a long way in showing us that you’re the right fit for our supportive environment.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to apply through our website. This ensures your application gets to the right people and helps us keep track of all the amazing candidates like you!
How to prepare for a job interview at New Directions Holdings Limited
✨Know Your Why
Before the interview, take a moment to reflect on why you want to be a 1:1 Teaching Assistant. Think about your passion for supporting young people and how your patience and empathy can make a difference. This will help you articulate your motivations clearly during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss any relevant experience you have, whether it's working with children or understanding trauma-informed practices. Share specific examples of how you've supported someone in challenging situations, as this will demonstrate your capability and commitment to the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, like helping a learner manage their emotions or navigate a tough day. Think through potential scenarios beforehand and consider how you would apply positive behaviour management strategies to support the student effectively.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the school's approach to SEMH needs or how they support their teaching assistants. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand if the environment aligns with your values.
