1-1 Teaching Assistant (SEMH)

Location: Thetford

Contract Type: Full Time

Hours: 08:30 – 15:30

Start Date: ASAP

We are looking to appoint a compassionate, resilient, and dedicated 1:1 Teaching Assistant to join our supportive SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health) setting. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a genuine difference to the life of a young person by providing tailored support that enables them to thrive both academically and emotionally.

Working closely with the class teacher and wider pastoral team, you will play a key role in helping a pupil access learning, build confidence, and develop positive relationships in a safe and nurturing environment.

About the Role

As a 1:1 Teaching Assistant, you will provide individualised support to a pupil with additional social, emotional, and behavioural needs, adapting your approach to meet their unique requirements and helping them engage positively with school life.

Main Responsibilities

• Provide consistent 1:1 support throughout the school day under the direction of the class teacher.
• Build a positive and trusting relationship with the pupil to encourage engagement and progress.
• Support learning activities and adapt tasks where appropriate to meet individual needs.
• Use de-escalation strategies and positive behaviour management techniques to support emotional regulation.
• Encourage independence, resilience, and the development of social skills.
• Work collaboratively with teaching staff, parents, and external professionals to support the pupil's progress.
• Promote the wellbeing and safeguarding of the pupil at all times.

We Are Looking For Someone Who

• Has experience working with children or young people with SEMH needs, behavioural challenges, or additional needs (desirable but not essential).
• Is patient, empathetic, and able to remain calm under pressure.
• Has excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Can demonstrate resilience, flexibility, and a proactive attitude.
• Is able to work effectively as part of a wider team while using their own initiative.
• Holds a minimum of GCSE Grade C/4 (or equivalent) in English and Maths.

We Offer

• Access to CPD training and professional development opportunities.
• Guaranteed Work Scheme for selected applicants – paid even if no work is available that day.
• Competitive weekly pay, with additional pay available for long commutes or extended hours.
• Simple and easy-to-use online systems.
• Ongoing support from a dedicated consultant.

If you are passionate about supporting young people to overcome barriers to learning and want to make a lasting impact every day, we would love to hear from you. All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details. All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date. Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants. We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided. For details of our privacy policy, please visit the Teaching Personnel website.