At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with SEMH needs through 1:1 and group sessions.
- Company: Join a respected specialist SEMH school in Sheffield City Centre.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, ongoing training, and dedicated support.
- Other info: Collaborate with a passionate team focused on nurturing and wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives every day.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEMH or transferable skills from care or youth work.
The predicted salary is between 31650 - 33483 £ per year.
Location: Sheffield City Centre
Salary: £95-£120 per day
Contract: Full-time | Long-term | September Start
Tradewind Recruitment are recruiting on behalf of a highly regarded specialist SEMH school in Sheffield City Centre for a compassionate and resilient SEMH Teaching Assistant. This is an excellent opportunity to join a dedicated team supporting children and young people aged 7-16 with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. Every pupil has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), and the school works collaboratively with therapists, educational psychologists and other specialist professionals to provide a holistic, child-centred approach.
The school is built around the values of Respect, Acceptance, Tolerance, Kindness, Learning and Achievement, with a strong focus on creating meaningful relationships that help pupils feel safe, valued and ready to learn.
The Role
- Provide 1:1 and small group support for pupils with SEMH needs.
- Build positive, trusting relationships that enable pupils to feel safe and succeed.
- Support the class teacher in delivering engaging and accessible learning.
- Encourage positive behaviour using restorative and relational approaches.
- Help pupils develop confidence, resilience, emotional regulation and independence.
- Work collaboratively with teachers, therapists and external professionals.
- Contribute to a safe, structured and nurturing learning environment.
The Ideal Candidate
- Has experience working with children or young people with SEMH, SEND or other additional needs, or has transferable experience from care, youth work, residential care, healthcare or mental health services.
- Is naturally nurturing, patient and genuinely care-focused.
- Understands the importance of building positive relationships before expecting progress.
- Remains calm, resilient and consistent when supporting pupils who may display behaviours that challenge.
- Has a genuine passion for helping young people overcome barriers to learning.
- Works well as part of a multidisciplinary team and communicates effectively with colleagues and families.
Schools Approach
The successful candidate will be joining a school whose practice is underpinned by:
- Relational Practice.
- Unconditional Positive Regard.
- Restorative Practice.
- Trauma-Informed Practice.
- Nurture Principles.
The school believes that every child deserves to feel respected, accepted and valued. Through personalised support and strong relationships, staff help pupils develop the confidence, emotional resilience and life skills needed to achieve success both inside and outside the classroom.
Pay Rate
The daily rate for this position is £95-£120 per day. Where you fall within this pay range will depend on several factors, including:
- Your previous SEMH, SEND or relevant support experience.
- Relevant qualifications, training and transferable skills.
- The budget allocated to the role by the school.
While Tradewind Recruitment always strives to secure the highest possible rate for our candidates, the final daily rate will ultimately be determined by the school's available budget for the position. This means that candidates with similar experience and qualifications may receive different rates depending on the funding available for the role.
Why Apply?
- Opportunity to work within a highly respected specialist SEMH setting.
- Be part of a school that places relationships, nurture and wellbeing at the centre of everything it does.
- Work alongside experienced teachers, therapists and specialist professionals.
- Access ongoing CPD and career development opportunities.
- Dedicated support from Tradewind Recruitment throughout your placement and beyond.
- Make a genuine and lasting difference to the lives of children and young people every day.
How to Apply
To be considered for this role, please send your most up-to-date CV to . For a confidential discussion about this role or other specialist SEND and SEMH opportunities across Sheffield, please get in touch with Olly at Tradewind Recruitment.
SEMH Teaching Assistant - Specialist SEMH School in Sheffield 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 SEMH Teaching Assistant - Specialist SEMH School in Sheffield
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Tradewind Recruitment.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Tradewind Recruitment!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Tradewind Recruitment, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Tradewind Recruitment or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace SEMH Teaching Assistant - Specialist SEMH School in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Tradewind Recruitment:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Tradewind Recruitment! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tradewind Recruitment
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.