At a Glance
- Tasks: Support pupils with SEMH needs and help them re-engage with education.
- Company: Join Protocol Education, a leader in supporting young people's mental health.
- Benefits: Weekly pay, free training, and dedicated support from a consultant.
- Other info: Temporary role with potential for permanent placement; every day brings new challenges.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your own skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEMH or challenging behaviour is essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
This role isn’t easy — but it is incredibly rewarding. If you understand that challenging behaviour often comes from unmet needs, can stay calm, patient, and consistent when others might step back, and are motivated by seeing real, hard-earned progress, then this could be the role that truly makes a difference — for both you and the pupils you support.
Protocol Education is working with a specialist SEMH provision in Darlington, looking for a confident and compassionate Teaching Assistant to join their team.
What makes this role stand out?
- Building trusting relationships with pupils who may have struggled in mainstream settings
- Creating a sense of stability, safety, and routine
- Supporting young people to re‑engage with education at their own pace
Here, every breakthrough matters — no matter how small it might seem.
What your day could look like:
- Supporting pupils with social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs
- Helping students manage emotions, de‑escalate situations, and refocus
- Working 1:1 or in small groups to support both learning and wellbeing
- Collaborating with teachers, pastoral staff, and external professionals
- Acting as a consistent, calm, and reliable presence throughout the day
We’re looking for someone who:
- Has experience with SEMH, SEND, or challenging behaviour (school or alternative settings)
- Remains calm and patient, even in high‑pressure situations
- Can build strong, positive relationships with pupils
- Has resilience, empathy, and a genuine passion for supporting young people
- Brings a sense of humour and perspective — every day is different!
Why work with Protocol Education?
- Weekly PAYE pay — no umbrella companies
- Free access to our CPD Academy (including SEMH‑focused training)
- A dedicated consultant who supports you throughout
- Long‑term roles in specialist, supportive settings
- Opportunities to develop skills in behaviour and pastoral support
Important Information:
- All applicants must have (or be willing to obtain):
- An enhanced DBS check (with Update Service subscription)
- Relevant experience or qualifications for the role
Protocol Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All candidates will be subject to safeguarding checks in line with DfE guidance, including an online search as part of our due diligence. This is a temporary role, with the potential to become permanent for the right candidate.
Ready to make an impact where it really counts? If you’re looking for a role where you can genuinely change lives — and grow your own skills in the process — we’d love to hear from you. Apply today and be part of something meaningful.
All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date. Full assistance provided.
SEMH Teaching Assistant (Specialist Provision) employer: Protocol Education Ltd
At Protocol Education, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to making a real difference in the lives of young people. Our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and personal growth, offering free access to our CPD Academy and a dedicated consultant to guide you through your journey. Located in Darlington, this role provides the unique opportunity to work in a specialist SEMH provision where every breakthrough matters, allowing you to develop your skills while positively impacting the lives of pupils with challenging behaviours.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEMH Teaching Assistant (Specialist Provision)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector, especially those who work with SEMH or SEND. They might know of opportunities that aren't advertised yet, and a personal recommendation can go a long way.
✨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 showcase your calmness and empathy — so be ready to share real-life examples!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, let your enthusiasm for supporting young people shine through. Talk about why you care about making a difference in their lives — it’s what sets you apart!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way, so take advantage of our resources!
We think you need these skills to ace SEMH Teaching Assistant (Specialist Provision)
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 anecdotes that highlight your commitment to making a difference in the lives of pupils with SEMH needs.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role. Use keywords from the job description, like 'calm', 'patient', and 'resilience', to demonstrate that you understand what we're looking for in a Teaching Assistant.
Be Honest About Your Experience:Don’t be shy about sharing your relevant experience with SEMH or challenging behaviour. Whether it’s from school settings or alternative environments, being upfront about your background helps us see how you can fit into our team.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, plus you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our values.
How to prepare for a job interview at Protocol Education Ltd
✨Know Your SEMH Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs. Understand the challenges these pupils face and be ready to discuss how you can support them effectively. This shows that you're not just interested in the role, but that you genuinely care about making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Patience and Empathy
During the interview, share specific examples from your past experiences where you've demonstrated patience and empathy. Whether it was in a school setting or elsewhere, real-life stories will help paint a picture of how you handle challenging situations and build relationships with young people.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical situations involving challenging behaviour. Think about how you would de-escalate a situation or support a pupil who is struggling. Practising these scenarios beforehand can help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.
✨Bring Your Sense of Humour
This role is all about building connections and creating a positive environment. Don’t shy away from showing your personality! A good sense of humour can go a long way in establishing rapport with both pupils and staff, so be prepared to share light-hearted anecdotes that reflect your approach to working with young people.
