Ask yourself these three questions...
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Are you skilled at looking past challenging behaviour to support the child underneath?
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Can you remain calm, grounded, and supportive when helping young people navigate emotional hurdles?
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Are you looking for a fulfilling SEMH support role where you can truly make a difference?
SEMH Teaching Assistant
Location: Cambridge
Start Date: Immediate / ASAP
Contract: Full-Time / Long-Term
Salary: £95 - £110 per day (dependent on experience)
Are you a resilient, empathetic professional seeking a meaningful position as an SEMH Teaching Assistant?
Randstad Education is currently seeking a dedicated SEMH Teaching Assistant to support pupils with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health needs across local secondary and specialist provision schools. Working full-time, this role is centered on building trust, regulating emotions, and re-engaging young people who face significant barriers to mainstream learning.
As an SEMH Teaching Assistant, you won't just be helping with coursework-you will serve as a consistent mentor, advocate, and calming presence, helping students develop emotional resilience, self-esteem, and positive behavioural habits.
Key Responsibilities
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Targeted 1-to-1 Mentoring: As a dedicated SEMH Teaching Assistant, you will provide 1-to-1 academic and emotional guidance, breaking down tasks to prevent frustration and overwhelm.
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De-escalation & Emotional Regulation: Use calm communication, active listening, and positive reinforcement to manage challenging behaviour and assist students during sensory or emotional overload.
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Promote Social & Life Skills: Guide pupils in building positive relationships with peers and staff, developing conflict-resolution strategies, and boosting self-confidence.
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Support Classroom Integration: Help keep assigned pupils focused and re-engaged during group lessons, supporting class teachers with structured behavioural boundaries.
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Track Growth & Wellbeing: Maintain daily observational logs and work alongside the SENCO, pastoral team, and external support workers to evaluate student progress.
Candidate Profile
We are searching for a grounded, proactive SEMH Teaching Assistant with strong boundaries, high emotional intelligence, and non-judgmental empathy.
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Experience as an SEMH Teaching Assistant, youth worker, behaviour support specialist, residential care worker, or mentor is highly advantageous.
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Confident in using de-escalation techniques (e.g., Team Teach, MAPA, or similar training is desirable but not essential).
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Calm, resilient, and patient attitude with the ability to maintain composure under pressure.
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Strong commitment to safeguarding and trauma-informed support practices.
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Holds an Enhanced DBS check on the Update Service (or readiness to process one through Randstad).
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Mandatory UK Right to Work (no visa sponsorship available).
What We Offer
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Competitive Daily Rates: Paid weekly, alongside access to Randstad's wide-ranging benefit schemes.
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A Rewarding Role: Enjoy making a real, visible difference in the lives of vulnerable young people every day.
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Referral Scheme: Earn a £300 Love2shop voucher by recommending a qualified colleague through our Refer a Friend scheme (T&Cs apply).
SEMH Teaching Assistant in Cambridge employer: Randstad UK
As an Operations Administrator with us, you'll enjoy a flexible home-working environment while being part of a dynamic team that plays a vital role in our business success. We prioritise employee growth and development, offering opportunities for recent graduates to kickstart their careers in a supportive culture that values collaboration and communication. With regular travel to various regional offices, you will experience diverse working environments and build connections across the company.
