At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with SEMH needs through mentoring and tailored learning activities.
- Company: St George’s Studio School, a supportive and inclusive environment for all students.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a creative learning environment.
- Other info: Full-time role with opportunities for career growth and training.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while working in a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEND, resilience, and a strong focus on safeguarding.
The predicted salary is between 19449 - 22962 £ per year.
Working at St George’s School means being part of a supportive, inclusive environment where every student is valued. Our staff work with children and young people with a wide range of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), including those who may present with physical behaviours. Many of our students also require support with personal care and medical administration as part of their daily routines.
Applicants should be resilient and committed to compassionate, person-centred support, confident in building trusting relationships with learners with diverse and complex needs, while upholding strong safeguarding practice. Our school values are Perseverance, Aspiration, Independence and Respect.
In September 2024 we opened a satellite provision in East Cowes for young people with SEMH needs, where we have embedded trauma informed practice and a therapeutic classroom approach to support them on their academic journey. The provision has been incredibly successful, and we look forward to this success continuing into 26/27.
As such, we are looking to recruit to the following post: SEMH Learning Support Assistants based at our Studio site in East Cowes.
- Salary: Hay Grade 7 - £21,194.49 - £22,962.74 per annum (actual)
- Hours per week: Full-time, 33.75 hours per week, term-time only (38 weeks)
As a Specialist SEMH LSA you will work with students at St George’s Studio School and within the community. You will work collaboratively with teaching staff to support students to access learning in a new environment, implementing bespoke programs to support individuals. Your role will include class-based activities, 1-2-1 and small group mentoring. You will support the teacher to deliver a range of activities. You will also be required to undertake/update specialist training as necessary.
It is essential that applicants possess the following:
- Relevant experience of working with students who have High Needs/SEND in a specialist area, such as SEMH, Autism, and complex challenging behaviour.
- Be able to demonstrate a high level of personal resilience.
- A strong student focus holding safeguarding at the centre of their practice.
In return we can offer:
- Wonderful students.
- The opportunity to be part of an adaptable, committed and skilled staff team.
- A creative learning environment, timetable and curriculum.
- A wide range of training opportunities for career development.
We are committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and expect all our staff to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS check is required for the successful applicant.
Please contact Jenny Holmes for further details and an application pack. Application forms are also available to download from the school website. Please note that we cannot accept CVs by way of application and any CV received will not be considered for the role.
Closing date: Friday, 24th July 2026.
SEMH Learning Support Assistant - St George’s Studio School in Newport employer: St George's School
St George's School is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises teamwork and creativity in the kitchen. With a focus on employee growth, you will have opportunities to develop your culinary skills while providing nutritious meals for a diverse community of pupils and staff. Located in a supportive educational environment, this role not only allows you to make a meaningful impact but also offers a stable work-life balance with term-time hours.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEMH Learning Support Assistant - St George’s Studio School in Newport
✨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 St George's School.
✨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 St George's School!
✨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 St George's School, 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 St George's School 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 Learning Support Assistant - St George’s Studio School in Newport
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 St George's School:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to St George's School! 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 St George's School
✨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.
