SEMH Teaching Assistant - Short & Long-Term Opportunities

Location: Northamptonshire
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
Contract: Short-term, long-term and ongoing opportunities
Start Date: September 2026
Agency: Tradewind Recruitment

Are you passionate about supporting young people who may face barriers to learning due to social, emotional and mental health needs?

Tradewind Recruitment are currently looking for SEMH Teaching Assistants to work across our network of partner schools and specialist settings throughout Northamptonshire. We have a variety of short-term and long-term opportunities available, allowing you to choose the type of work that best suits your experience, availability and career goals.

As an SEMH Teaching Assistant, you will play an important role in helping young people feel safe, supported and able to engage with their education. You may work with pupils who have experienced disrupted education, challenging circumstances or difficulties managing their emotions and behaviour. Your ability to build genuine, trusting relationships will be key to helping students develop confidence and make progress.

• Have experience supporting children, young people or vulnerable individuals, ideally within an education, care, youth work, coaching or similar environment.
• Have a genuine interest in working with students with SEMH needs, including those who may display challenging behaviour or require additional emotional and pastoral support.
• Be confident building positive relationships with young people while maintaining clear boundaries and consistent expectations.
• Be patient, resilient and able to remain calm and supportive when faced with challenging or unpredictable situations.
• Understand the importance of de-escalation, positive reinforcement and restorative approaches to behaviour.
• Be willing to support students both inside and outside of the classroom, helping them to engage with learning and develop their confidence and independence.
• Be adaptable and able to work effectively as part of a wider team alongside teachers, pastoral staff and other professionals.

Working through Tradewind Recruitment gives you access to a wide range of partner schools and specialist settings across Northamptonshire. Whether you are looking for a full-time long-term placement, regular short-term work, or would like to gain experience across different SEMH environments before committing to a permanent position, we can help find opportunities that suit you.

You will receive dedicated support from your recruitment consultant throughout your placement, alongside access to professional development and CPD opportunities to help you continue building your skills and experience.

If you are a caring, resilient and enthusiastic Teaching Assistant who wants to make a genuine difference to the lives of young people with SEMH needs, we would love to hear from you.

Apply today to discuss the SEMH Teaching Assistant opportunities currently available through Tradewind Recruitment.