Teaching Assistant

Location: Andover, Hampshire
Pay: £14.25 per hour
Hours: Full-Time, Monday to Friday (Term Time Only)
Start Date: September 2026

We are seeking experienced Learning Support Assistants to join specialist SEMH schools across the Andover area from September 2026.

These schools support children and young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, many of whom have experienced adverse childhood experiences, trauma, disrupted education, or difficulties with emotional regulation and behaviour. The successful candidates will play a key role in helping pupils engage positively with education while promoting their emotional wellbeing, independence, and personal development.

This is an excellent opportunity for professionals who are confident working within specialist settings and are committed to making a positive and lasting impact on the lives of vulnerable young people.

Working closely with teachers, pastoral staff, and the wider multidisciplinary team, you will provide consistent support to pupils both in and out of the classroom. You will help to establish positive relationships, encourage engagement in learning, and implement behaviour support strategies that enable pupils to achieve successful outcomes.

Responsibilities include:

• Providing individual and small-group support throughout the school day

• Promoting positive behaviour through consistent, therapeutic approaches

• Supporting pupils to develop emotional regulation, resilience, and social skills

• Assisting with the delivery of personalised learning programmes

• Responding appropriately to challenging behaviour while maintaining professional boundaries

• Supporting pupils during unstructured times, including breaktimes and transitions

• Working collaboratively with teaching staff, pastoral teams, and external professionals

• Maintaining accurate records where required and adhering to all safeguarding procedures

Applications are invited from candidates with previous experience supporting children or young people with SEMH needs or challenging behaviour.

Relevant experience may have been gained within:

• SEMH schools or alternative provisions

• Special educational needs settings

• Youth offending or intervention services

• Residential childcare

• Behaviour support roles

• Children's residential services

• Youth work

• Mental health support services

Applicants should be able to demonstrate:

• Experience supporting pupils with SEMH or complex behavioural needs

• A calm, resilient, and professional approach

• Strong behaviour management and de-escalation skills

• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities

• The ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team

• A sound understanding of safeguarding responsibilities

• Previous experience working with children or young people with SEMH needs is essential

• Enhanced Child Workforce DBS registered on the Update Service, or willingness to obtain one

• Right to work in the UK

• Full-time, term-time only employment

• Competitive pay of £14.25 per hour

• A September 2026 start

• Ongoing training and professional development

• Support from experienced education consultants throughout your placement

• Opportunities for long-term and permanent employment within specialist education

If you have experience supporting children or young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs and are seeking a rewarding role from September 2026, we would welcome your application.

Please submit your up-to-date CV. Suitable applicants will be contacted to discuss their experience and the SEMH Learning Support Assistant