At a Glance
- Tasks: Support pupils with social, emotional, and mental health needs in a specialist school.
- Company: SENDhelp, a dedicated specialist SEND recruiter.
- Benefits: Competitive PAYE pay, ongoing support, and access to inclusive schools.
- Other info: Join a supportive team focused on child safety and welfare.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in UK schools, particularly with SEMH and challenging behaviour.
The predicted salary is between 28568 - 34916 £ per year.
SENDhelp is recruiting an experienced SEMH Teaching Assistant for a specialist school in Slough. The school requires someone with a strong, demonstrable background supporting children and young people with social, emotional and mental health needs and challenging behaviour.
Previous experience in a UK pupil referral unit, alternative provision or school supporting pupils with significant behavioural needs is essential. This is not an entry-level position, and applicants must be able to show relevant experience clearly through their employment history.
The role involves:
- Supporting pupils with SEMH needs in lessons and during structured activities
- Providing individual and small-group support
- Helping pupils engage with learning and return to tasks following periods of dysregulation
- Using consistent and appropriate behaviour-management strategies
- Responding calmly and professionally to challenging situations
- Reinforcing routines, expectations and clear boundaries
- Supporting pupils with emotional regulation, communication and social interaction
- Working closely with teachers, pastoral staff and other professionals
- Recording relevant observations and reporting concerns accurately
- Following individual support plans, risk assessments and safeguarding procedures
- Helping to maintain a safe, structured and respectful learning environment
Required background includes:
- Recent and demonstrable experience working in a UK school
- Previous experience in a pupil referral unit, alternative provision or setting supporting significant challenging behaviour
- Direct experience supporting children or young people with SEMH needs
- Strong behaviour-management and de-escalation skills
- The ability to remain calm, consistent and professional under pressure
- Clear and effective verbal and written communication
- The ability to build positive relationships while maintaining firm boundaries
- A reliable, resilient and team-focused approach
- A clear understanding of safeguarding responsibilities
Applications without relevant UK school experience or direct experience supporting pupils with SEMH and challenging behaviour may not be suitable for this vacancy.
What SENDhelp offers:
- Competitive PAYE pay
- No umbrella-company deductions
- A dedicated SENDhelp consultant
- Support with onboarding and compliance
- Ongoing support throughout your placement
- Access to opportunities within specialist and inclusive schools
As a specialist SEND recruiter, child safety and welfare is our number one priority. That is why we conduct thorough checks on all our candidates, and ensure that they abide by our Candidate Code of Conduct. All Candidates will be required to provide an Enhanced DBS that is actively registered on the Update Service, or apply for one as part of the onboarding process. This is in addition to other mandatory compliance checks in line with the DfE guidelines.
SENDhelp is an equal opportunities employer.
SEMH Teaching Assistant in Slough employer: SENDhelp
Join a dedicated team as an SEN Tutor in Staines, where you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. Our supportive work culture fosters professional development through ongoing training and collaboration, ensuring that you can grow your skills while helping learners achieve their potential. With a focus on inclusivity and personal growth, this role offers a rewarding career path in a vibrant community close to Heathrow.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEMH Teaching Assistant in Slough
✨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 SENDhelp.
✨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 SENDhelp!
✨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 SENDhelp, 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 SENDhelp 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 Teaching Assistant in Slough
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 SENDhelp:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to SENDhelp! 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 SENDhelp
✨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.
