At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable young people in a specialist SEMH school, helping them engage and thrive.
- Company: A supportive SEMH school in Blackpool dedicated to making a difference.
- Benefits: Term-time hours, comprehensive training, and a rewarding career path in SEN.
- Other info: Join a tight-knit team and enjoy work-life balance with evenings and weekends free.
- Why this job: Make a genuine impact on young lives while developing your skills in a caring environment.
- Qualifications: No formal qualifications needed; just resilience, patience, and a passion for helping others.
The predicted salary is between 23000 - 28000 £ per year.
Location: Blackpool, Lancashire
Setting: Specialist SEMH School (Social, Emotional, and Mental Health)
Contract Type: Full-Time, Term-Time Only (Monday - Friday)
Start Date: September 2026
About the Role
Are you a resilient, patient, and empathetic individual looking to make a genuine difference in the lives of vulnerable young people? We are actively recruiting an Unqualified Teaching Assistant to join a highly supportive, specialist SEMH school in Blackpool starting in September 2026. This provision supports children and young people who have faced trauma, display challenging behaviours, or struggle to engage in mainstream education. You do not need previous classroom experience or a formal Teaching Assistant qualification. We are looking for the right personality-someone with life experience, a calm demeanour, and the ability to act as a consistent, positive role model.
Key Responsibilities
- Classroom Support: Work alongside the class teacher to keep students focused, motivated, and engaged in their daily lessons and activities.
- Behaviour Mentoring: Use a calm, fair, and trauma-informed approach to help students regulate their emotions and de-escalate challenging situations.
- Relationship Building: Act as a trusted mentor, building strong, professional relationships with students who may initially be distrustful of authority.
- 1-to-1 & Small Group Work: Provide tailored support to individual students who require extra guidance with their social skills or academic tasks.
What We Are Looking For
- Resilience & Patience: You must have a "thick skin" and understand that challenging behaviour is often a form of communication.
- Strong Presence: The ability to establish clear boundaries while maintaining a warm, approachable, and non-judgemental attitude.
- Transferable Experience: Backgrounds in youth work, care, sports coaching, the military, or simply raising your own family can be highly valuable in this environment.
- Reliability: A strong work ethic and a genuine commitment to supporting the emotional well-being of young people in Blackpool.
What We Offer
- A Rewarding Career Path: The perfect entry-level opportunity to start a long-term career in Special Educational Needs (SEN) and alternative education.
- Comprehensive Training: Access to specialised professional development, including positive behaviour management (e.g., Team Teach), safeguarding, and trauma-informed practice.
- Work-Life Balance: Term-time only working hours aligned with the school day, leaving your evenings, weekends, and holidays free.
- Supportive Environment: Work within a tight-knit team of specialised educators, therapists, and support staff who always have each other's backs.
How to Apply
If you are ready for a challenging but incredibly rewarding role this September, we want to hear from you. To Apply: Please submit your CV along with a brief outline of why you are passionate about supporting young people with SEMH needs. This school is strictly committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful candidate will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check and thorough pre-employment vetting.
Unqualified Teaching Assistant - SEMH Support in Blackpool employer: Tradewind Recruitment
Tradewind Recruitment is an excellent employer for those passionate about early childhood education, offering a supportive work culture in Northampton. With competitive pay and opportunities for permanent positions, employees can thrive in a nurturing environment that prioritises professional growth and development. Join a dedicated team where your contributions to children's learning and development are truly valued.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Unqualified Teaching Assistant - SEMH Support in Blackpool
✨Get Involved Locally
Jump into local community events or volunteering gigs related to social work. These can be fantastic for making connections and showcasing your commitment to the field. Plus, they're often great conversation starters when you’re networking!
✨Connect with Educational Institutions
Don’t underestimate your university's career services! They usually have strong ties with local organisations that are looking for entry-level social workers. Attend any job fairs they host—this could be your perfect chance to meet employers like Tradewind Recruitment and get your foot in the door.
✨Show Your Passion Through Social Media
Use platforms like Twitter or Instagram to follow and engage with social work professionals. Share relevant content that reflects your beliefs and passions. This can make you stand out to potential employers as someone who is genuinely invested in the field!
✨Apply Through Our Website
When you see a role you like, especially at Tradewind Recruitment, don’t just send in a CV—apply through our website for a better chance. Your application can get noticed quicker, and we love to see candidates show enthusiasm by reaching out directly!
We think you need these skills to ace Unqualified Teaching Assistant - SEMH Support in Blackpool
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Empathy Skills:In social work, showcasing your ability to connect with people is key. Make sure your CV highlights any relevant volunteer experience or coursework that demonstrates your ability to listen and support others. This will help us see your passion for helping those in need!
Tailor Your Cover Letter with Real-Life Examples:When writing your cover letter, include specific examples where you've made a difference, whether through internships, placements, or community work. This will give us a glimpse into your hands-on experience and your understanding of the challenges faced in social work. Show us why you're a great fit for the role!
Qualifications Matter:Since this is an entry-level position, including your qualifications is essential! Make sure to list any relevant degrees, certifications, or training certificates you've obtained. Even if they're not directly in social work, any related fields can demonstrate your commitment to learning and growing in this industry.
Make Your Application Shine with Passion:Don’t just list skills and experiences; let your passion for social work shine through. Share your motivation for wanting to join Tradewind Recruitment and what you hope to achieve. This can really set you apart from other candidates and show us that you're not just looking for any job, but are genuinely excited about making a positive impact!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tradewind Recruitment
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, your motivation can set you apart from other candidates. Be ready to share personal experiences or stories that demonstrate your passion for helping people. This could be a volunteer position, an impactful project, or a time you supported someone in need.
✨Brush Up on Relevant Legislation
As you're aiming for an entry-level position in social work, be familiar with key legislation and regulations that impact the field, like the Children Act or the Care Act. Being able to discuss how these laws affect practice will show you have a solid understanding of your future role.
✨Ask About Mentorship Opportunities
Since this is an entry-level role, demonstrate your eagerness to learn by asking about mentorship and training opportunities within Tradewind Recruitment. This shows that you’re not only committed to growing your skills but that you value support in your professional journey.
✨Prepare for Hypothetical Scenarios
Expect to encounter situational questions that test your problem-solving abilities. Prepare by thinking about how you would handle specific challenges common in social work, like managing conflicts or supporting families in crisis. This way, you can showcase your critical thinking skills and empathy during the interview.
