Position: Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) Teaching Assistant
Hours: Full-time
Role Overview:
As a SEMH Teaching Assistant, you will support students with social, emotional, and mental health needs under the direction of the class teacher/SENCO/SEN Manager. Your role will focus on creating a nurturing, inclusive learning environment where students can thrive both academically and emotionally. You will support students in KS3-5 to develop emotional regulation, social skills, and positive mental health while also assisting with their academic needs in subjects such as language, reading, writing, spelling, and mathematics. You will play a key role in the delivery of personalized support plans and monitor student progress to ensure they feel supported and confident in their learning.
Responsibilities:
- Provide one-on-one or small group support to students with social, emotional, and mental health needs, focusing on building self-esteem, emotional resilience, and social skills.
- Assist in implementing personalized behaviour support plans and strategies to manage and de-escalate emotional challenges.
- Foster a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where students feel respected and understood.
- Collaborate closely with teachers, therapists, and other support staff to address students’ holistic needs and encourage their personal and academic growth.
- Support students in their academic learning, with particular attention to emotional regulation, building concentration, and encouraging positive relationships with peers.
- Monitor and track student progress, providing regular feedback to the teaching team to help tailor further support.
- Maintain accurate records of students’ emotional and academic progress, noting achievements and areas requiring additional support.
- Promote student independence and self-confidence through personalized interventions that focus on their emotional and social development.
Requirements:
- Previous experience as a Teaching Assistant, particularly with students facing social, emotional, and mental health challenges, is preferred.
- Experience working with students with emotional regulation difficulties or mental health needs is highly desirable.
- A compassionate, patient, and empathetic approach to supporting students with SEMH needs.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with students, staff, and families.
- Willingness to obtain an enhanced DBS check.
- Ability to maintain a calm, positive, and productive environment that promotes emotional well-being.
- A passion for helping students with SEMH thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
- The right to work in the UK.