Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people with SEMH needs in a nurturing classroom environment.
- Company: A dedicated school focused on enriching students' academic and emotional growth.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, free training courses, and holiday pay.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of students with unique challenges.
- Qualifications: Experience in education or mental health, and a calm approach to challenging situations.
- Other info: Term-time only role with potential for permanent position.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 16 £ per hour.
SEMH / SEND Teaching Assistant
Location: Poole, Dorset
Salary: £13.75
Start Date: Immediate
Are you passionate about supporting young people with SEMH and SEN needs? If you answered yes, then this job opportunity for an SEN(D) Teaching Assistant may be for you! A Primary / Secondary School in Poole is seeking a dedicated SEMH Teaching Assistant to join their team!
The Role
You will be supporting classroom teachers in providing the best learning environment possible for pupils aged 7-16 years old. This is a specialised school for pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs, all of whom have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). The SEMH needs of pupils often impact their ability to access mainstream education and may include:
- Anxiety disorders
- ADHD
- Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC - with SEMH as primary need)
- Trauma-related difficulties
This school provides long-term specialist education for children who cannot access mainstream schooling due to their SEMH needs. This school strives to ensure every student grows in confidence; is ready to achieve success and contributes positively to society by providing them with imaginative, nurturing and motivating learning opportunities. It offers a dynamic and creative curriculum with focus on personalised programmes to help pupils develop coping skills for life beyond school and emphasis on emotional resilience, reflections, and restorative practices.
Who We Are Looking For
- Relevant experience in similar educational settings
- Mental Health experience / Psychology degree
- Youth Work experience
- Driving licence required if you live outside of Blandford
- SEMH experience
- Understanding of positive behaviour support strategies
- Able to de-escalate challenging situations calmly and safely
Working Hours/Benefits
- Full Time Monday-Friday
- Access to over 10 SEN training courses which are free of charge, plus plenty more with a generous discount!
- 12.07% Holiday Pay
Please note, this role is Term-Time Only.
If you’d like to be a part of a happy and ambitious school which enriches individuals academically, socially and emotionally – this may be the role for 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.
SEN Teaching Assistant - SEMH Focused in Poole employer: Teaching Personnel
Contact Detail:
Teaching Personnel Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SEN Teaching Assistant - SEMH Focused in Poole
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector, especially those who work with SEMH or SEND. They might know of openings before they even hit the job boards.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school and its approach to SEMH. Show them you understand their mission and how you can contribute to creating a nurturing environment for the students.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions related to behaviour management and emotional support strategies. We want you to feel confident and ready to showcase your skills!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity to make a difference.
We think you need these skills to ace SEN Teaching Assistant - SEMH Focused in Poole
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for supporting young people with SEMH and SEN needs shine through. We want to see why you care about making a difference in their lives!
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have in similar educational settings or with mental health. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your skills and understanding of the challenges these pupils face.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of what makes you a great fit for this role. Avoid fluff and focus on what matters!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Teaching Personnel
✨Know Your SEMH Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. Familiarise yourself with common challenges faced by students with SEMH, such as anxiety disorders and trauma-related difficulties. This will show that you're genuinely passionate about supporting these young people.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous experience in educational settings or any relevant roles, like youth work or mental health support. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully supported individuals with similar needs, as this will demonstrate your capability and commitment to the role.
✨Demonstrate De-escalation Skills
Since you'll be working with students who may exhibit challenging behaviours, it's crucial to highlight your ability to de-escalate situations calmly and safely. Think of scenarios where you've successfully managed conflict or diffused tension, and be prepared to share these during the interview.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some insightful questions about the school's approach to SEMH and how they support their staff. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the school is the right fit for you.
