SEMH Teaching Assistant - September

Location: High Peak (covering North Derbyshire)
Start Date: September 2026
Contract: Full-Time, Temporary until Christmas initially (with potential extension and permanent opportunities)
Salary: Competitive and negotiable depending on experience

We are currently recruiting on behalf of a specialist SEN school in High Peak for a dedicated and resilient Specialised Teaching Assistant to join their innovative Bespoke Pathways Team from September.

This is a unique and highly rewarding role supporting children and young people who have been excluded from mainstream education and require alternative educational provision within their local communities. Rather than being based solely in a traditional classroom environment, you will work directly with pupils in a variety of settings including their homes, community hubs, family centres, libraries, and other local venues.

The successful candidate will play a key role in helping vulnerable learners re-engage with education, develop positive relationships, and work towards successful educational outcomes.

Working as part of the Bespoke Pathways Team, you will provide tailored educational and pastoral support to pupils with a range of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), social, emotional and mental health needs (SEMH), behavioural challenges, and additional vulnerabilities.

You will support learners on a one-to-one basis or within very small groups, adapting your approach to meet individual needs and helping pupils overcome barriers to learning.

Whilst your base location will be the specialist school in High Peak, the role will involve regular travel across the North Derbyshire area to deliver support within community settings.

• Deliver personalised educational support to pupils outside of mainstream school settings.
• Build positive, trusting relationships with children and young people who may have experienced previous difficulties within education.
• Support pupils with a range of SEN, SEMH, behavioural and emotional needs.
• Deliver learning activities planned by teaching staff and adapt them to suit individual learning styles and abilities.
• Encourage engagement, attendance and positive participation in education.
• Support pupils in developing confidence, independence and social skills.
• Monitor pupil progress and provide regular feedback to the wider education team.
• Promote safeguarding, wellbeing and positive behaviour at all times.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, parents, carers and external professionals to ensure consistent support for each learner.
• Maintain accurate records and reports in line with school procedures.

We are looking for candidates who are passionate about supporting vulnerable young people and who can demonstrate patience, resilience and a genuine commitment to improving outcomes for children.

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

• Special Educational Needs (SEND)
• Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH)
• Alternative Provision
• Youth Work
• Behaviour Support
• Residential Childcare
• Teaching Assistant roles
• Outreach Support
• Family Support Work
• Mental Health Support

You will be someone who:

• Builds strong relationships with ease.
• Remains calm in challenging situations.
• Is confident working independently within community settings.
• Has excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Can adapt their approach to meet individual pupil needs.
• Is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

• Previous experience working with children or young people.
• Full UK Driving Licence and access to a vehicle (due to travel requirements across North Derbyshire).
• Enhanced DBS on the Update Service, or willingness to obtain one.
• Ability to work independently and manage a varied schedule.

• Competitive and negotiable rates of pay based on experience.
• Opportunity to make a gen