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- Tasks: Support students with SEMH needs through one-to-one and group activities.
- Company: Join Teaching Personnel, a leader in educational staffing dedicated to safeguarding children.
- Benefits: Enjoy free training, potential for permanent roles, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while working in a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEMH students and strong behaviour management skills are essential.
- Other info: This is a long-term role with the possibility of becoming permanent.
SEMH Teaching Assistant – Primary & Secondary
Be one of the first applicants, read the complete overview of the role below, then send your application for consideration.
Full-Time | Monday–Friday | Long-Term
£13.75 – £14.50 per hour
We are currently seeking a committed and resilient SEMH Teaching Assistant to work full-time in a primary and secondary SEMH provision in Blackburn. This is a long-term opportunity for someone passionate about supporting children and young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.
The Role
As an SEMH Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with pupils who may display challenging behaviour, emotional regulation difficulties, or have experienced trauma. You will support learning both inside and outside the classroom, helping students to re-engage with education, build positive relationships, and develop coping strategies.
You may be supporting:
1:1 or small group interventions
Emotional regulation and behaviour management
Academic engagement and life skills
Physical and outdoor activities as part of a therapeutic approach
Working in an SEMH provision is highly rewarding but can be demanding. You’ll need patience, empathy, consistency, and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
The Ideal Candidate
We welcome applicants from a range of backgrounds, including but not limited to:
Support work (SEMH, SEN, youth work, care, residential, mental health)
Sports coaching or sports psychology
Psychology, education, or child development backgrounds
Teaching Assistants or aspiring teachers
Individuals with relevant personal or lived experience
Experience working with children or young people with SEMH, SEND, or challenging behaviour is highly desirable, but attitude, resilience, and commitment are just as important.
What We’re Looking For
A genuine passion for supporting vulnerable children and young people
Strong communication and relationship-building skills
Ability to set clear boundaries while remaining supportive
Confidence working in both primary and secondary settings
A proactive, flexible, and positive approach
What’s On Offer
Long-term, full-time role (Monday to Friday)
Competitive hourly rate: £13.75 – £14.50
Valuable experience in a specialist SEMH setting
Opportunity to make a real difference every day
If you have the right mindset, transferable experience, or a strong interest in SEMH education, we strongly encourage you to apply.
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. xiskglj Full assistance provided.
For details of our privacy policy, please visit the Teaching Personnel website
SEMH Teaching Assistant employer: Teaching Personnel
Contact Detail:
Teaching Personnel Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SEMH Teaching Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with SEMH needs and strategies. Understanding the specific challenges faced by students with social, emotional, and mental health issues will help you demonstrate your knowledge during interviews and discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field. Attend local education events or workshops related to SEMH support. Building connections can provide insights into the role and may even lead to recommendations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for scenario-based questions. Think about how you would handle specific situations involving challenging behaviour or emotional crises. This preparation will showcase your problem-solving skills and calmness under pressure.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your passion for making a difference. Be ready to share personal experiences or motivations that drive your commitment to supporting young people with SEMH needs. Authenticity can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace SEMH Teaching Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience working with pupils who have SEMH needs. Include specific examples of how you've supported students in similar settings, showcasing your behaviour management skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for making a difference in the lives of young people. Mention your proactive approach and any specific strategies you’ve used to support students with challenging behaviour.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Ensure you list any qualifications or training related to SEMH or behavioural support. This could include certifications in child protection, mental health first aid, or any relevant courses you've completed.
Prepare for Interview Questions: Think about potential interview questions related to SEMH support. Be ready to discuss your experiences, how you handle challenging situations, and your approach to encouraging positive social interactions among students.
How to prepare for a job interview at Teaching Personnel
✨Show Your Passion for SEMH
Make sure to express your genuine passion for working with students who have social, emotional, and mental health needs. Share personal experiences or anecdotes that highlight your commitment to making a difference in their lives.
✨Demonstrate Behaviour Management Skills
Prepare to discuss specific strategies you have used in the past to manage challenging behaviour. Be ready to provide examples of how you remained calm under pressure and successfully supported students in difficult situations.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
If you have experience in alternative provisions or similar settings, make sure to mention it. Discuss the skills you developed in those roles and how they will help you succeed as a SEMH Teaching Assistant.
✨Be Proactive and Hands-On
During the interview, convey your proactive approach to supporting students. Share examples of how you've taken initiative in previous roles, whether it's implementing new strategies or getting involved in school activities to enhance student engagement.
