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- Tasks: Support primary and secondary pupils with SEMH needs in a calm, structured environment.
- Company: A friendly specialist SEMH school dedicated to nurturing students.
- Benefits: Ongoing training, supportive team, and opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: No specific experience needed; just bring your passion and resilience.
- Other info: Immediate roles available across Hailsham with potential for permanent positions.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
This is a specialist SEMH school supporting both primary and secondary pupils who benefit from calm, consistent adults around them. Pupils can present with challenging behaviour, particularly when they are dysregulated or struggling to communicate their needs. What makes the difference here is a staff team who work closely together, support one another, and approach behaviour with patience, structure and understanding.
We are looking for SEND / SEMH Teaching Assistants who are confident, emotionally resilient and motivated by supporting pupils who need clear boundaries and strong relationships to thrive.
The Role- Supporting pupils in class, 1:1 and in small groups
- Helping pupils regulate emotions and manage behaviour positively
- Acting as a calm, consistent presence during moments of dysregulation
- Supporting learning activities under teacher guidance
- Building trust with pupils who may struggle with engagement or boundaries
- Working closely with teachers and pastoral staff
This is a hands-on, active role where no two days are the same.
Who This Role Will Suit- Individuals who are calm, resilient and emotionally grounded
- Those confident supporting SEMH needs and challenging behaviour
- People who can be firm, fair and supportive
- Candidates from SEND, SEMH, care, youth work, sports or similar backgrounds
- Team players who value consistency and collaboration
- Experience in SEMH is welcome but not essential. Attitude, presence and willingness to learn matter most.
- A genuinely friendly, welcoming and supportive staff team
- Clear behaviour systems and strong pastoral support
- Ongoing guidance and SEMH-focused training
- A setting where staff feel supported and valued
- Opportunities available across the Hailsham area
- Immediate and upcoming roles
- A child-only DBS is required for school-based work — support will be provided if needed
Apply today to be considered for SEND / SEMH Teaching Assistant roles. 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.
SEND / SEMH Teaching Assistants - Primary & Secondary (Hailsham Area) employer: Teaching Personnel
Contact Detail:
Teaching Personnel Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SEND / SEMH Teaching Assistants - Primary & Secondary (Hailsham Area)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school culture! Before your interview, do a bit of research on the school’s values and approach to SEMH. This will help you connect with the staff and show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your responses! Think about how you would handle specific situations with pupils who have challenging behaviour. Use examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your calmness and resilience during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for supporting pupils! During the interview, let your enthusiasm shine through. Talk about why you want to work with SEND/SEMH pupils and how you can make a positive impact on their lives.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows professionalism and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace SEND / SEMH Teaching Assistants - Primary & Secondary (Hailsham Area)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for supporting pupils with SEMH needs.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience and skills that match the role. Mention any relevant background in SEND or SEMH, and how it prepares you for this hands-on position.
Show Your Understanding: Demonstrate your understanding of the challenges faced by pupils with SEMH needs. Share examples of how you've supported individuals in similar situations, showing us your calm and resilient approach.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Teaching Personnel
✨Know Your SEMH Stuff
Before the interview, brush up on your understanding of Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. Familiarise yourself with strategies for supporting pupils who may struggle with behaviour and communication. This will show that you’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable about the role.
✨Showcase Your Resilience
During the interview, be ready to share examples of how you've handled challenging situations in the past. Whether it’s from previous roles or personal experiences, demonstrating your emotional resilience and ability to stay calm under pressure will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
This role is all about collaboration, so highlight your experience working as part of a team. Talk about how you’ve supported colleagues in the past and how you value a consistent approach to behaviour management. This will show that you understand the importance of working closely with others.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about the school's behaviour systems or how they support staff development. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the school’s environment aligns with your values.
