At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people with SEMH needs through tailored, creative learning activities.
- Company: Join a nurturing specialist school in Blandford Forum focused on emotional wellbeing.
- Benefits: Competitive pay from £14/hour, free training, and strong career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Level 2/3 qualification in childcare or relevant SEN/SEMH experience required.
- Other info: Flexible roles available, including full-time and supply options.
The predicted salary is between 11 - 16 £ per hour.
Prospero Teaching is seeking calm, patient, and resilient Learning Support Assistants (LSAs) to join a specialist SEMH secondary school based in Blandford Forum. The school supports young people aged 11-16 with a wide range of complex needs, including social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs, communication and interaction differences, autism, and associated behavioural challenges.
This nurturing, highly individualised environment is looking for LSAs who can build strong, trusting relationships and provide consistent, trauma‑informed support that helps pupils feel safe, regulated, and ready to learn. The school welcomes applications from candidates seeking full‑time roles as well as flexible supply work, including day‑to‑day, short‑term, and long‑term opportunities.
Key Responsibilities- Providing tailored, relational support to pupils with SEMH needs, autism, communication differences, or complex learning profiles.
- Supporting young people who may experience anxiety, emotional dysregulation, or difficulties with transitions, routines, and social interaction.
- Encouraging engagement through creative, practical, therapeutic, and differentiated learning activities.
- Promoting emotional wellbeing, safety, and positive behaviour throughout the school day.
- Helping pupils develop communication skills, emotional regulation strategies, social understanding, and independence.
- Using calm, consistent, and relational approaches to reduce barriers to learning.
- Working collaboratively with teachers, pastoral teams, and therapeutic staff to deliver holistic, child‑centred support.
- Location: Blandford Forum
- Position: Learning Support Assistant (LSA) - SEMH
- Start Date: ASAP
- Contract Type: Full‑time with temp‑to‑perm pathways; flexible supply options also available
- Working Hours: 08:30 - 15:30
- Pay Rate: From £14 per hour
To be considered, you must:
- Have the Right to Work in the UK
- Hold an enhanced child‑barred list DBS on the Update Service (or be willing to apply)
- Provide professional references covering the last 24 months
- Hold a Level 2/3 qualification in childcare, education, health & social care, or have relevant SEN/SEMH experience
- Free accredited CPD, including safeguarding, behaviour support, and de‑escalation
- Access to our specialist in‑house Training & Development Team
- Ongoing support from a dedicated SEN consultant
- A warm, supportive school environment with strong staff culture and clear progression opportunities
Know someone who would thrive in a specialist SEMH setting? You can earn a referral bonus for every successful recommendation through our Refer a Friend scheme (T&Cs apply).
If this is a role of interest, please reach out today with an up to date copy of your CV.
SEMH Learning Support Assistants in Blandford Forum employer: Prospero Teaching
Contact Detail:
Prospero Teaching Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SEMH Learning Support Assistants in Blandford Forum
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school culture! Before your interview, do a bit of research on the school in Blandford Forum. Understanding their approach to SEMH needs will help you connect with the staff and show that you're genuinely interested in their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your responses! Think about how your experiences align with the role of an LSA. Prepare examples of how you've supported young people with SEMH needs or similar challenges, so you can share them confidently during your interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for supporting students! During your interview, let your enthusiasm shine through. Talk about why you want to work with young people facing challenges and how you can contribute to their emotional wellbeing and learning.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it super easy for you to submit your application and get noticed. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions!
We think you need these skills to ace SEMH Learning Support Assistants in Blandford Forum
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience and skills that are relevant to supporting young people with SEMH needs. We want to see how you can build those strong, trusting relationships that the role requires!
Craft a Personal Statement: Use your personal statement to showcase your passion for working in a nurturing environment. Share specific examples of how you've supported individuals with similar needs in the past – this will really help us see your potential!
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out your application, keep your language clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so avoid jargon and make it easy for us to understand your qualifications and experiences.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to track your application status as we review it!
How to prepare for a job interview at Prospero Teaching
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the specific needs of SEMH pupils. Familiarise yourself with strategies for supporting emotional regulation and communication differences. This will show that you're not just interested in the role but are genuinely prepared to make a difference.
✨Showcase Your Patience
During the interview, be ready to share examples of how you've demonstrated patience and resilience in challenging situations. Whether it's through previous work or personal experiences, illustrating your ability to stay calm under pressure is key for this role.
✨Build Rapport
Since the role involves building trusting relationships with pupils, use the interview to showcase your interpersonal skills. Engage with the interviewer, listen actively, and respond thoughtfully. This will reflect your ability to connect with young people effectively.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions about the school's approach to supporting SEMH needs. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the environment aligns with your values and working style. It’s a win-win!