At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with SEMH needs through mentoring and tailored interventions.
- Company: Forward-thinking secondary school in Blackpool, dedicated to student wellbeing.
- Benefits: NJC scale pay from Day 1, career progression, and ongoing training.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and access comprehensive training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your career in education.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEMH/SEN and strong communication skills are essential.
Location: Blackpool, Lancashire (FY)
Salary: Aligned with NJC Pay Scale (Paid to scale from Day 1 based on experience)
Contract Type: Full-Time
Start Date: September 2026 (or sooner for the right candidate)
Are you a resilient, empathetic, and passionate individual looking to support youth with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs? We are recruiting a dedicated SEMH Teaching Assistant to join a forward-thinking secondary school environment right here in Blackpool. Whether you are an experienced SEN TA, a community youth worker, or a psychology graduate looking to build your career in education, this is a highly rewarding opportunity to make a measurable difference.
We believe that exceptional support staff deserve fair, transparent compensation. That’s why this position offers official NJC (National Joint Council) scale pay from Day 1 ensuring your expertise and hard work are fully valued right from the start.
Key Responsibilities:- Targeted SEMH Support: Provide tailored emotional, social, and academic mentoring to secondary students facing complex SEMH or behavioural barriers.
- De-escalation & Crisis Management: Use positive behaviour strategies to create a calm, safe, and productive learning environment.
- 1:1 & Small Group Interventions: Lead targeted sessions outside the classroom to boost emotional regulation, resilience, and student self-esteem.
- Collaborative Tracking: Partner closely with the school SENDCo, class teachers, and inclusion teams to monitor, adapt, and report on student progress.
- Experience with SEMH/SEN: Background in a school, alternative provision, youth centre, PRU (Pupil Referral Unit), or residential care setting is highly valued.
- The Right Mindset: High levels of emotional intelligence, deep empathy, and the resilience needed to support students on their toughest days.
- Strong Communication: An innate ability to build trust and rapport quickly with hard-to-reach secondary students.
- Local Availability: Based in or around the Blackpool area and ready for a September 2026 intake (or an immediate transitional start).
- Honest, Scaled Pay: No flat agency rates. You are mapped directly to the NJC Pay Scale from your very first day.
- Career Progression: Direct pathways into permanent school contracts, behaviour management roles, or specialist pastoral paths.
- Comprehensive Support: Access to ongoing safeguarding, trauma-informed practices, and specialised behaviour de-escalation training.
If you have the heart, the stamina, and the dedication to transform an educational journey for a vulnerable young person in Blackpool, we want to hear from you. Click 'Apply Now' or send your CV directly to (url removed) to secure an interview.
SEMH Teaching Assistant / SEN TA (NJC Scale From Day 1) in Blackpool employer: Tradewind Recruitment
Join a supportive and innovative secondary school in Blackpool, where your role as a SEMH Teaching Assistant will be both meaningful and rewarding. With competitive NJC scale pay from Day 1, a strong emphasis on professional development, and a collaborative work culture, you will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of students with SEMH needs while advancing your career in education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEMH Teaching Assistant / SEN TA (NJC Scale From Day 1) in Blackpool
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in education or related fields. Let them know you're on the hunt for a SEMH Teaching Assistant role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get your hands dirty with some volunteering! If you can, spend time in schools or youth centres working with students who have SEMH needs. This not only boosts your experience but also shows potential employers your commitment to making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to SEMH support. Think about scenarios where you've demonstrated resilience and empathy. We want you to shine and show how you can make a real impact in the classroom!
✨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 hearing from passionate candidates like you who are ready to take on this rewarding role in Blackpool.
We think you need these skills to ace SEMH Teaching Assistant / SEN TA (NJC Scale From Day 1) in Blackpool
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for supporting students with SEMH needs shine through. Share personal experiences or motivations that led you to this field, as it helps us see your genuine commitment.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role. Highlight any relevant experience you have in SEMH or SEN settings, and don’t forget to mention specific skills that align with the job description. We love seeing how your background fits with our needs!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to understand your qualifications and enthusiasm.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and keen to join 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. Familiarise yourself with common challenges students face and think about how you can support them. This will show your passion and understanding during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
Prepare to share examples from your past experiences where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Whether it's from a previous role or a personal experience, being able to articulate these moments will highlight your suitability for the role.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice your communication skills before the interview. You’ll need to demonstrate how you can build trust with students, so think about how you can convey your ideas clearly and effectively. Role-play with a friend if you can!
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions to ask at the end of the interview. This could be about the school's approach to SEMH support or how they measure student progress. It shows you're genuinely interested in the role and want to contribute positively.
