SEMH Teaching Assistant

SEMH Teaching Assistant – Full-Time, Permanent
Location: Near Tunbridge, Kent
Start Date: Immediate Start Available
Salary: Competitive (dependent on experience)

About the Role
Teaching Personnel are currently seeking a resilient and experienced SEMH Teaching Assistant to join a specialist provision just outside Tunbridge, Kent. This is a full-time, permanent opportunity supporting pupils aged 8–17 with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.

The unit caters to students who display challenging behaviour and require consistent, structured, and compassionate support to help them engage with learning and develop positive coping strategies.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small group support to students with SEMH needs
• Assist in managing and de-escalating challenging behaviours using positive behaviour strategies
• Support the delivery of tailored learning activities both inside and outside the classroom
• Build strong, trusting relationships with pupils to promote emotional wellbeing and engagement
• Work collaboratively with teachers, therapists, and other support staff
• Maintain a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment

Essential Requirements

• Proven experience working within an SEMH setting or similar specialist provision
• Strong behaviour management skills and confidence dealing with challenging behaviour
• A calm, patient, and resilient approach
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• A genuine passion for supporting vulnerable young people
• Ability to commit to a full-time, permanent role

Desirable (but not essential)

• Relevant qualifications in education, psychology, youth work, or similar
• Experience with trauma-informed practice or restorative approaches

What Teaching Personnel Offers

• Dedicated support from a specialist education recruitment consultant
• Access to continued professional development and training
• Opportunity to secure a permanent position within a supportive and rewarding environment

This is a highly rewarding role suited to individuals who are passionate about making a real difference in the lives of young people with additional needs. Due to the nature of the role, prior SEMH experience is essential.

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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