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- Tasks: Support young people with SEMH needs, helping them re-engage with learning and build confidence.
- Company: Join a caring team dedicated to making a difference in students' lives.
- Benefits: Earn £13.75 per hour with flexible hours and full training provided.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young people's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: No school experience needed; youth work or mentoring experience is a plus.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive environment.
We are looking for a caring, reliable Learning Support Assistant to join a school based in Portsmouth, supporting pupils across multiple local sites. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys building strong relationships and supporting young people who need learning to look a little different.
About the role:
- You will be supporting pupils aged 5–16 years with SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health) needs, many of whom are school avoidant.
- Support will include:
- Helping pupils gradually re-engage with learning
- Supporting attendance during time spent in school
- Delivering and supporting off-site activities to promote engagement, confidence, and coping strategies
- Encouraging emotional regulation, resilience, and positive behaviour
- Working closely with staff to support individual learning and wellbeing plans
Key requirements:
- Ideally a driver with access to a vehicle, due to travel between multiple sites in Portsmouth
- Calm, patient, and empathetic approach
- Ability to build trust and positive relationships with children and young people
- Flexible and proactive mindset
Experience:
- No previous school experience required
- Experience in youth work, coaching, mentoring, care, or similar roles is desirable but not essential
- Full training and ongoing support provided
What’s on offer:
- Competitive pay at £13.75 per hour
- Meaningful, hands-on work making a real difference
- Supportive team environment
- Opportunity to develop experience within SEMH and alternative education
All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. 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’.
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.
Learning Support - Behaviour in Portsmouth employer: Teaching Personnel
Contact Detail:
Teaching Personnel Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Learning Support - Behaviour in Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school and its values before your interview. Research their approach to SEMH support and think about how your experiences align with their mission. This will help you stand out as someone who truly cares about their work.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to building relationships with young people. Use examples from your past experiences in youth work or mentoring to showcase your skills and empathy.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss how you would handle challenging situations with pupils. Think about strategies for emotional regulation and resilience that you've seen work in the past, and be prepared to share them during your interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. And remember, applying through our website gives you a better chance of being noticed!
We think you need these skills to ace Learning Support - Behaviour in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Keep Your CV Fresh: Before you dive into the application, make sure your CV is up to date. Highlight any relevant experience, especially if you've worked with young people or in similar roles. We want to see what makes you a great fit!
Read the Job Specs Carefully: Take a good look at the job description and requirements. Tailor your application to show how your skills and experiences align with what we're looking for. This shows us you're genuinely interested and have done your homework!
Show Your Caring Side: In your application, let your personality shine through! We’re looking for someone who’s calm, patient, and empathetic. Share examples of how you've built relationships or supported others in the past – it’ll make you stand out!
Apply Through Our Website: When you're ready to apply, make sure to do it through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep everything organised. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy and know how to follow instructions!
How to prepare for a job interview at Teaching Personnel
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a Learning Support Assistant, especially in relation to SEMH needs. Familiarise yourself with strategies for supporting emotional regulation and building trust with young people. This will show your genuine interest and readiness for the role.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
During the interview, share examples from your past experiences where you've demonstrated patience and empathy. Whether it's from youth work, mentoring, or any relevant experience, highlight how you’ve positively impacted someone's learning or emotional wellbeing.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions that reflect your understanding of the role and the challenges it entails. For instance, ask about the specific strategies the school uses to support pupils with SEMH needs. This shows you're proactive and genuinely interested in how you can contribute.
✨Be Yourself
Authenticity goes a long way! Be honest about your experiences and what you can bring to the team. The interviewers are looking for someone who can build strong relationships with students, so let your personality shine through and demonstrate your passion for making a difference.
