At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with SEMH needs in a nurturing environment, fostering emotional regulation and learning.
- Company: St Paul's CofE Primary School & Nursery, a compassionate community-focused school.
- Benefits: Supportive team, professional development, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team dedicated to making a positive impact.
- Why this job: Transform lives by helping children feel safe, understood, and ready to learn.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEMH needs and a passion for supporting children's emotional growth.
The predicted salary is between 23000 - 25000 £ per year.
At St Paul’s, “Learning in God’s Love” is at the heart of everything we do. Our vision and values – Courage, Compassion and Community – guide us as we nurture every child to grow academically, socially and emotionally.
The role is Monday to Friday, 8:30am – 3:15pm. We are seeking a committed and resilient Special Needs Assistant to work within our SEARCh Inclusion Base. SEARCh is our nurturing inclusion provision, supporting children who may experience social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs, attachment-related difficulties, anxiety, emotional dysregulation or barriers to learning. The provision focuses on helping children feel safe, understood and ready to learn through strong relationships, structure and consistent support.
SEARCh is staffed by a teacher and skilled teaching assistants who work closely together to provide consistent, relational support for children. The team also benefits from specialist advice and collaboration with colleagues from our ASD Unit, alongside support from external professionals and advisors.
This role calls for a trauma-informed and relationship-based approach, someone who understands that behaviour is communication and that connection comes before correction.
The successful candidate will:- Build trusting and consistent relationships with children, supporting children through moments of dysregulation with calm and consistency.
- Work closely with teachers, the SENDCo and external professionals to implement personalised strategies and support plans.
- Support children’s engagement in learning, play and social interaction within a small, structured and nurturing environment.
- Use a trauma-informed approach to support emotional regulation, resilience and readiness to learn.
- Remain calm, reflective and solution-focused when faced with challenging situations.
- Contribute to a safe, caring and inclusive environment where children feel valued and able to flourish.
- Has experience of supporting children with SEMH, attachment-related needs and/or additional needs.
- Understands the importance of co-regulation, emotional safety and positive relationships.
- Is patient, consistent, resilient and emotionally attuned.
- Works effectively as part of a compassionate and collaborative team.
- Is reflective, open to feedback and committed to ongoing professional development.
- A highly supportive and nurturing team.
- Regular professional development and supervision in SEMH, attachment and trauma-informed practice.
- The opportunity to make a transformational difference in children’s lives.
We reserve the right to shortlist and interview prior to the closing date, so early applications are strongly encouraged. For an informal discussion or to arrange a visit, please contact the school office.
St Paul's CofE Primary School & Nursery, Tongham is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Special Needs Assistant - SEMH Inclusion Base in Farnham employer: Stpaulstongham
At St Paul's CofE Primary School & Nursery, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and nurturing environment where our staff can thrive alongside our students. Our commitment to professional development ensures that as a Special Needs Assistant, you will receive ongoing training in SEMH and trauma-informed practices, empowering you to make a meaningful impact in children's lives. Located in the picturesque Farnham, Surrey, our school community embodies the values of Courage, Compassion, and Community, making it an exceptional place to work and grow.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Special Needs Assistant - SEMH Inclusion Base in Farnham
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research St Paul's CofE Primary School & Nursery and understand their values of Courage, Compassion, and Community. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff members on LinkedIn or through local education forums. They can provide insider tips about the school culture and what they look for in a Special Needs Assistant.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for scenario-based questions! Think about how you would handle specific situations involving children with SEMH needs. Practising your responses will help you feel more confident and articulate during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the quickest way to get your application in front of the right people. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy and ready to embrace the digital age in education.
We think you need these skills to ace Special Needs Assistant - SEMH Inclusion Base in Farnham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let us see your enthusiasm for working with children who have SEMH needs. Share any personal experiences or insights that highlight your commitment to making a difference in their lives.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the role. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate how your skills and experiences align with what we're looking for.
Be Authentic:We value authenticity, so don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Share your unique approach to supporting children and how you build those all-important trusting relationships.
Apply Early:Don’t wait until the last minute! We might start shortlisting before the closing date, so get your application in early through our website to increase your chances of standing out.
How to prepare for a job interview at Stpaulstongham
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Special Needs Assistant in an SEMH Inclusion Base. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of children with SEMH and attachment-related difficulties, as well as the importance of building trusting relationships.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous experience supporting children with SEMH or additional needs. Prepare specific examples that highlight your patience, resilience, and ability to implement personalised strategies. This will demonstrate your suitability for the role.
✨Emphasise Your Approach
During the interview, emphasise your trauma-informed and relationship-based approach. Share how you prioritise emotional safety and co-regulation, and be prepared to discuss how you would handle challenging situations calmly and reflectively.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask the interviewers about their approach to supporting children in the SEMH Inclusion Base. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the school’s values align with yours.
