At a Glance
- Tasks: Support secondary students with SEMH needs in a high-energy environment.
- Company: Join a dedicated team making a real difference in young people's lives.
- Benefits: Structured hours, school holidays off, and free training provided.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and to work in various local provisions.
- Why this job: Experience the rewarding challenge of helping students overcome barriers.
- Qualifications: Resilience, strong communication skills, and experience with young people preferred.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
This is not your typical classroom role. It’s tougher than most—but far more rewarding too.
We’re looking for a strong, grounded, and consistent Teaching Assistant to support secondary-aged students in a high-behaviour SEMH setting in Littlehampton. These are young people who may push boundaries, test limits, and struggle to trust—but with the right support, they can and do make progress.
If you can stay calm under pressure, set clear boundaries, and still show empathy when it’s needed most, this could be the role for you.
What to expect: This is a fast-paced, high-energy environment where no two days are the same. You’ll need resilience, patience, and a good sense of humour. The behaviour can be challenging—but so are the rewards when you start to break through and build trust.
The Role:
- Supporting secondary pupils with SEMH needs, often on a 1:1 basis
- Managing and responding to high levels of behaviour in a calm, consistent way
- Helping pupils stay engaged in learning, even when they find it difficult
- Building respectful, professional relationships with students
- Working closely with teachers and behaviour teams
The Details:
- Monday to Friday 8:30am – 3:30pm
- Term time only
- No evenings or weekends
- School holidays off (including half terms and summer)
- Location: Based in Littlehampton
- Opportunities to work in other local secondary and SEMH provisions if desired
What we’re looking for:
- Someone confident, resilient, and not easily fazed
- Ability to manage challenging behaviour with consistency and calmness
- Strong communication skills and a firm but fair approach
- Experience with young people or behaviour support is highly beneficial
- A genuine commitment to making a difference, even on the hard days
Why this role? You’ll develop valuable behaviour management and SEMH experience. Be part of a supportive and experienced team. Structured hours that fit around life. The chance to have a real impact on young people who need it most. This role isn’t for everyone—but for the right person, it’s one of the most rewarding jobs out there.
If you’re ready for a challenge and want to make a genuine difference, apply now.
All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.
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.
Teaching Assistant (SEMH) in Littlehampton employer: Teaching Personnel
Contact Detail:
Teaching Personnel Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Teaching Assistant (SEMH) in Littlehampton
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school culture before your interview. Visit their website, check out their social media, and see what they're all about. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to managing challenging behaviour. We all know it can be tough, so think of specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your resilience and calmness under pressure.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to ask questions during your interview! This shows you're engaged and keen to learn more about the role. Ask about the support systems in place for students and how the team collaborates to manage behaviour effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s quick and easy, plus you’ll get updates directly from us. Remember, we’re here to help you land that rewarding role as a Teaching Assistant!
We think you need these skills to ace Teaching Assistant (SEMH) in Littlehampton
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 experiences and what makes you passionate about supporting young people.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application for this specific role. Highlight your experience with SEMH needs and how you've managed challenging behaviour in the past. We love seeing how you connect your skills to what we’re looking for!
Show Your Commitment: We’re after someone who’s genuinely committed to making a difference. Use your application to demonstrate your dedication to supporting students, even on tough days. Share examples that show your resilience and empathy.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our team there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Teaching Personnel
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand what a Teaching Assistant in a SEMH setting entails. Familiarise yourself with the challenges and rewards mentioned in the job description. This will help you articulate why you're a great fit for the role.
✨Showcase Your Resilience
Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've managed challenging behaviour in the past. Highlight your ability to stay calm under pressure and maintain consistency. This is crucial in a high-behaviour environment, so share stories that demonstrate your resilience and patience.
✨Build Rapport with Empathy
During the interview, convey your understanding of the importance of building trust with students. Share your approach to forming respectful relationships and how you balance firmness with empathy. This will show that you’re not just about discipline but also about support.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer about their approach to behaviour management and team dynamics. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the environment aligns with your values and working style.