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 28 - 32 £ 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
- 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: senploy
Contact Detail:
senploy Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SEMH Learning Support Assistants in Blandford Forum
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the education sector, especially those who work with SEMH needs. They might have insider info on job openings or can even put in a good word for you.
✨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 shine and show how you can make a difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for supporting young people with SEMH needs. Share stories that highlight your patience and resilience. This will help you connect with interviewers and demonstrate your commitment.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for dedicated LSAs who are ready to make an impact in our schools.
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 reflects the skills and experiences that align with the SEMH Learning Support Assistant role. Highlight any relevant qualifications or experiences that show you can support young people with complex needs.
Craft a Personal Statement: Use your personal statement to showcase your passion for working with young people who have SEMH needs. Share specific examples of how you've built trusting relationships and provided support in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out your application, keep your language clear and to the point. We want to see your personality shine through, but also appreciate straightforwardness in your responses.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. This way, we can easily track your application and get back to you quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at senploy
✨Know Your SEMH Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your understanding of social, emotional, and mental health needs. Familiarise yourself with the challenges these young people face and think about how you can support them. Being able to discuss specific strategies or experiences will show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Patience and Resilience
During the interview, share examples from your past where you've demonstrated patience and resilience. Whether it’s a challenging situation with a student or a tough day at work, showing how you handled it can really highlight your suitability for this role.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
Remember, this role is all about building relationships. Use the interview as an opportunity to connect with your interviewers. Be warm, approachable, and engage in conversation. This will not only make you memorable but also demonstrate your ability to form trusting relationships.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked how you would handle specific situations involving students with SEMH needs. Think through potential scenarios and prepare your responses. This will help you articulate your approach to supporting students effectively during the interview.