SEMH Support New

A supportive and inclusive primary school is seeking a dedicated SEMH Support Assistant to work with pupils who require additional support with their social, emotional, and mental health needs. This is a rewarding opportunity for a compassionate and resilient individual who is passionate about helping children overcome barriers to learning and achieve positive outcomes.

The successful candidate will work closely with pupils on a 1:1 basis and in small groups, providing consistent support to help them develop emotional regulation, positive behaviours, confidence, and engagement in learning.

Job Title: SEMH Support Assistant
Location: Burnley
Salary: £14.25 - £16 per hour
Contract Type: Full-Time, Term-Time Only
Start Date: Monday 2^nd November 2026 or ASAP

Key Responsibilities

• Provide tailored support for pupils with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.
• Build positive and trusting relationships with children to encourage engagement and progress.
• Support pupils in managing emotions and developing appropriate coping strategies.
• Implement behaviour support plans and follow school behaviour policies consistently.
• Deliver targeted interventions focusing on emotional wellbeing, social skills, and self-esteem.
• Work alongside class teachers to adapt learning activities and remove barriers to learning.
• Support pupils during transition periods, unstructured times, and within classroom lessons.
• Use de-escalation strategies to support children during challenging situations.
• Monitor progress and contribute to reviews, reports, and support plans.
• Work collaboratively with the SENCO, pastoral team, parents, and external agencies.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have

• Experience working with children with SEMH needs in a school, care, youth work, or support setting.
• Strong behaviour management and de-escalation skills.
• A calm, empathetic, and patient approach.
• The ability to build positive relationships and maintain professional boundaries.
• An understanding of trauma-informed practice and emotional regulation strategies.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• A genuine passion for supporting vulnerable children and helping them succeed.
• A Teaching Assistant qualification is desirable but not essential.

What the School Offers

• A welcoming and supportive team environment.
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities.
• The chance to make a meaningful difference in children's lives.
• Access to experienced SEN and pastoral support staff.
• Competitive pay and dedicated support throughout your placement.

How to Apply

If you are passionate about supporting children with social, emotional, and mental health needs and have the resilience, empathy, and commitment to help them thrive, we would love to hear from you.

Apply today to become an SEMH Support Assistant and help pupils build confidence, resilience, and the skills they need to succeed both in school and beyond. Attach your CV, outlining all your relevant experience supporting children with SEMH.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.
All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.
Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.
We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.
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