SEMH Teaching Assistant (2-1 support)

SEMH Teaching Assistant (2:1 Support)

Summary

Sense Education is working in partnership with a supportive school in Workington to recruit a dedicated SEMH Teaching Assistant to provide 2:1 support for pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.

This rewarding role involves working closely with a small number of pupils who require additional support to access learning, regulate their emotions, and develop positive relationships within the school environment. If you are patient, resilient, and passionate about helping young people overcome barriers to education, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.

Whether your experience comes from education, youth work, care, mental health support, residential care, or a similar background, your skills could make a significant difference.

The Role

As an SEMH Teaching Assistant, you will:

• Provide 2:1 support for pupils with SEMH needs, helping them engage positively in school life.
• Build positive, trusting relationships that promote emotional wellbeing and resilience.
• Support pupils with emotional regulation, behaviour management, and social development.
• Assist pupils in accessing learning activities both inside and outside of the classroom.
• Implement behaviour support plans and strategies tailored to individual needs.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, pastoral teams, SEND staff, and external professionals.
• Encourage independence, confidence, and positive decision-making.
• Help create a calm, safe, and supportive learning environment.

Is This You?

We are looking for someone who is:

• Minimum qualifications required: A recognised Teaching Assistant qualification or a background in education or care (NVQ, CACHE, Degree, or equivalent)
• Calm, patient, and emotionally resilient.
• Passionate about supporting children and young people with additional needs.
• Confident managing challenging behaviours using positive and restorative approaches.
• Able to build strong relationships and act as a positive role model.
• A strong communicator who works well as part of a team.
• Committed to helping pupils achieve both academically and personally.

Experience in any of the following areas would be highly beneficial:

• SEMH support
• Youth work
• Residential care
• Support work
• Behaviour mentoring
• Mental health services
• Social care
• Alternative provision or SEND settings

The School

This welcoming school in Workington is committed to supporting pupils' emotional wellbeing and personal development alongside their academic progress.

The school offers:

• A supportive and experienced leadership team.
• Strong pastoral and SEND support networks.
• A nurturing approach to behaviour and emotional wellbeing.
• Opportunities for training and professional development.
• A collaborative environment where staff work together to achieve positive outcomes for pupils.

Working Hours and Details

• Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 3.30pm
• Term time only
• Location - Whitehaven
• Role Type: Full Time / Temp - Perm
• Pay Rate: £14.60 - £16.90 per hour

Why Apply?

• Competitive weekly pay.
• Long-term consistency within one school.
• Opportunity to make a genuine difference to a young person's educational journey.
• Ongoing training and development opportunities.
• Supportive school environment with experienced colleagues.
• Potential for progression into permanent roles and wider SEND support positions.

Make a Difference Every Day

If you are passionate about supporting young people with SEMH needs and helping them succeed in education, we would love to hear from you.

Apply today and join a dedicated team committed to helping pupils feel safe, supported, and successful.

Safeguarding Statement

Safeguarding children is an integral part of what we do and we have a stringent safer recruitment process. We undertake checks on all the candidates we work with. As such, we require a current Enhanced DBS Disclosure for everyone working in schools. If you do not have a subscription to the DBS Update Service, you may be required to complete a new DBS application as part of the registration process.

If you take a temporary role with Sense Education, you will be paid on a weekly basis. All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay.

This advert is for a temporary position but long term. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available.Safeguarding children is an integral part of what we do and we have a stringent safer recruitment process. We undertake checks on all the candidates we work with. As such we require a current Enhanced DBS Disclosure for everyone working in Schools. If you do not have a subscription to the DBS Update Service, you may be required to complete a new DBS application as part of the registration process. If you take a temporary role with Sense Education you will be paid on a weekly basis. All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position but long term. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Temp to perm

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Free parking
• On-site parking
• Referral programme