At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with emotional regulation and behaviour in a school setting.
- Company: Join a dedicated team at Protocol Education, focused on student welfare.
- Benefits: Earn £90–£110 per day, with free training and ongoing support.
- Other info: Long-term role with potential for permanent placement and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives and celebrate small wins.
- Qualifications: Experience in SEMH, youth work, or similar settings is preferred.
The predicted salary is between 23400 - 28600 £ per year.
Pay: £90–£110 per day (PAYE only – NO umbrella)
Location: Redbridge
Contract: Full-time | Long-term
If you’re the kind of person who can stay grounded when behaviour escalates, read between the lines of challenging behaviour, and show up consistently even on tough days, this role could be for you. This is a hands-on SEMH support role in a school setting where relationships matter. You’ll be working with pupils who struggle with emotional regulation, trust, and boundaries.
Your role will include:
- Supporting pupils 1:1 and in small groups across the school day
- Helping students manage behaviour, emotions, and transitions
- Responding to challenging behaviour using clear, consistent strategies
- Encouraging engagement in learning and daily routines
- Being a reliable, steady presence for pupils who need structure and understanding
- Working closely with teachers, SEN staff, and pastoral teams
We’re looking for someone who:
- Has experience with SEMH, behaviour support, PRUs, youth work, care, or similar settings
- Can remain calm under pressure and think clearly in the moment
- Builds trust through consistency, not confrontation
- Is confident setting boundaries while staying respectful and fair
What you’ll get:
- £90–£110 per day, paid weekly via PAYE
- Long-term placements with consistency and routine
- Free CPD including behaviour management, de-escalation & trauma-informed training
- Ongoing support from your dedicated consultant
- Opportunities across specialist and alternative provision schools in Redbridge
If you want a job where your presence genuinely impacts a young person’s day, where small wins matter, and where consistency counts, we’d love to hear from you.
Please note: This advert is to build a pool of strong SEMH Support Assistants for schools across Redbridge. Opportunities may vary by setting. All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role.
All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 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.
Protocol Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with the DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’, this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants. We offer FREE online safeguarding and Prevent Duty training to all our workers. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and subscribe to the DBS Update Service. Full assistance provided.
SEMH Support Assistant in Ilford employer: Protocol Education
At Protocol Education, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer in the heart of Redbridge, offering a supportive and nurturing work environment for SEMH Support Assistants. Our commitment to professional development is evident through our free CPD training, including behaviour management and trauma-informed practices, ensuring you grow alongside your students. Join us to make a meaningful impact in young lives while enjoying the stability of long-term placements and ongoing support from dedicated consultants.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEMH Support Assistant in Ilford
✨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 Protocol Education.
✨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 Protocol Education!
✨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 Protocol Education, 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 Protocol Education 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 Support Assistant in Ilford
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 Protocol Education:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Protocol Education! 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 Protocol Education
✨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.
