At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with SEMH needs through mentoring and behaviour management.
- Company: A nurturing SEMH school in Blackburn focused on student wellbeing.
- Benefits: Stable 12-month contract, professional development, and a supportive team culture.
- Other info: Full-time role with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable young people.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEMH or vulnerable youth is a plus; resilience and commitment are key.
The predicted salary is between 19000 - 23000 £ per year.
Location: Blackburn, Lancashire (UK)
Start Date: September 2026
Contract: 12-Month Fixed-Term Contract (Full Academic Year)
Schedule: Full-time, 5 days a week (Monday to Friday, Term Time Only)
Pay: £92.89 - £115.89 per day
About Our School
Tradewind are looking for a specialised SEMH (Social, Emotional, and Mental Health) Teaching Assistant to work within an SEMH school in Blackburn dedicated to providing a safe, structured, and nurturing learning environment for pupils who face significant barriers to learning in mainstream education. Our team works hard to re-engage young people, build their self-esteem, and support their emotional and academic development.
Tradewind are currently seeking dedicated, resilient, and empathetic Teaching Assistants to join a close-knit team for the upcoming academic year on a stable, 12-month contract.
The Role & Responsibilities
- 1:1 & Small Group Mentoring: Support pupils with complex SEMH needs, trauma backgrounds, or associated conditions such as ADHD and Autism.
- Behaviour Management: Implement positive behaviour strategies, utilising specialised de-escalation techniques to support students during periods of crisis.
- Academic Assistance: Help pupils engage with personalisation plans and access the curriculum at a pace that works for them.
- Collaborative Support: Work closely with class teachers, pastoral staff, and multi-agency professionals to ensure the wellbeing of every student.
About You
Working in an SEMH school is incredibly rewarding, but it requires a high level of personal resilience, patience, and emotional intelligence.
Requirements:
- Resilience: The ability to remain calm, objective, and professional when faced with challenging or disruptive behaviour.
- Commitment: Consistency is vital for our pupils. You must be able to commit to a full-time, Monday-to-Friday schedule for the full 12 months.
- Background: Prior experience working with SEMH, SEND, or vulnerable youth (e.g., youth work, residential care, sports coaching, or mainstream SEN support) is highly advantageous.
- Compliance: An enhanced DBS check registered on the Update Service is essential (or willingness to apply for one immediately).
What We Offer
- Stability: A guaranteed 12-month contract spanning the full academic year.
- Professional Development: Access to continuous professional development (CPD) and certified training in positive handling and de-escalation (e.g., Team Teach).
- Supportive Culture: A welcoming team that values collaboration, peer support, and staff wellbeing.
How to Apply
If you have the passion, resilience, and dedication to make a real difference to vulnerable young people in Blackburn, we want to hear from you. Please click and apply to submit your CV and a brief cover letter outlining why you are the perfect fit for our team.
Teaching Assistant (SEMH School) in Blackburn employer: Tradewind Recruitment
Tradewind is an exceptional employer for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the lives of vulnerable young people. With a strong focus on professional development and a supportive work culture, our SEMH school in Blackburn offers a stable 12-month contract, allowing Teaching Assistants to thrive in a collaborative environment that prioritises staff wellbeing and continuous learning. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that values resilience, empathy, and the transformative power of education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Teaching Assistant (SEMH School) in Blackburn
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former Teaching Assistants in SEMH settings. They can give you insider tips and might even know about job openings before they're advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to SEMH. Think about your experiences and how they relate to resilience and behaviour management. We want to see your passion shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your empathy and understanding during the interview. Share stories that highlight your ability to connect with vulnerable youth. Remember, it’s all about building trust and rapport!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our process.
We think you need these skills to ace Teaching Assistant (SEMH School) in Blackburn
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your cover letter, let your passion for working with SEMH students shine through. Share personal experiences or motivations that drive you to support vulnerable young people.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in SEMH, SEND, or similar roles. Use specific examples that demonstrate your resilience and ability to manage challenging behaviours.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon, making it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates from our team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Tradewind Recruitment
✨Know Your SEMH Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. Understand the challenges these students face and be ready to discuss how you can support them. This shows that you're not just interested in the role but genuinely care about making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Resilience
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've demonstrated resilience and patience. Whether it’s handling challenging behaviour or supporting someone through a tough time, having specific stories ready will help you stand out as a candidate who can thrive in an SEMH environment.
✨Collaborative Spirit
Highlight your ability to work as part of a team. Be ready to discuss how you've collaborated with teachers, parents, or other professionals in the past. This role requires a lot of teamwork, so showing that you can communicate effectively and supportively is key.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the school's approach to behaviour management or how they support staff wellbeing. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the school is the right fit for you.
