At a Glance
- Tasks: Support pupils with SEMH needs, helping them thrive academically and emotionally.
- Company: Welcoming school dedicated to inclusive education and pupil wellbeing.
- Benefits: Full-time role, training opportunities, and a rewarding experience.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and enjoy career growth in education.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEMH needs and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 33483 £ per year.
Location: Bowerdean
Contract: Full-time
Salary: MPS / UPS
Start Date: October 2026
Application Closing Date: 20th August 2026
About the Role
Are you a compassionate, resilient, and dedicated Learning Support Assistant looking for your next opportunity? We are seeking an enthusiastic SEMH Learning Support Assistant to join a welcoming and supportive school, where you will play a key role in supporting pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. The successful candidate will provide tailored academic, emotional, and behavioural support, helping pupils to build confidence, develop positive relationships, and achieve their full potential in a safe and nurturing learning environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide one-to-one and small-group support to pupils with SEMH needs, helping them to access learning and make progress.
- Support pupils' emotional wellbeing, confidence, resilience, and personal development.
- Build positive and trusting relationships with pupils, promoting a calm, safe, and inclusive learning environment.
- Assist teachers in delivering engaging and differentiated learning activities tailored to individual needs.
- Support pupils with managing their emotions, developing coping strategies, and regulating their behaviour.
- Promote positive behaviour and encourage pupils to develop appropriate social and communication skills.
- Work collaboratively with teachers, SENCOs, pastoral teams, parents, and other professionals to support pupils' progress and wellbeing.
- Monitor and record pupils' progress, behaviour, and wellbeing, sharing relevant information with the wider school team.
- Follow safeguarding policies and procedures at all times.
Requirements
- Experience working with children or young people with SEMH needs, behavioural difficulties, or additional needs.
- A patient, calm, compassionate, and resilient approach to supporting pupils.
- Strong understanding of the challenges faced by pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs.
- The ability to build positive and trusting relationships with pupils.
- Experience supporting behaviour, emotional regulation, or challenging behaviour would be advantageous.
- Strong communication and teamwork skills.
- The ability to remain calm and consistent in challenging situations.
- A commitment to promoting inclusion, safeguarding, and the wellbeing of children and young people.
Why Apply?
- Full-time opportunity within a welcoming and inclusive school.
- A rewarding role supporting pupils’ educational experience.
- Access to training and professional development opportunities.
- Refer a Friend scheme – earn up to £150 collectively.
Supply Desk is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All successful applicants will be subject to safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check, and must be willing to comply with all safeguarding requirements.
SEMH Learning Support Assistant employer: Supply Desk
Join our dedicated site team in Buckinghamshire as a Cleaner, where you will play a vital role in maintaining a clean and safe educational environment for both staff and students. We pride ourselves on fostering a supportive work culture that values reliability and teamwork, offering full training and professional development opportunities to help you grow in your role. With competitive pay and flexible part-time hours during term time, this position is perfect for those seeking meaningful employment in a welcoming community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEMH Learning Support Assistant
✨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 Supply Desk.
✨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 Supply Desk!
✨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 Supply Desk, 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 Supply Desk 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
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 Supply Desk:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Supply Desk! 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 Supply Desk
✨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.