SEMH Teaching Assistant 

Location: Burgess Hill
Hours: Full-time, Monday–Friday
Start Date: ASAP / September start
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience

Are you passionate about supporting young people who need a little more understanding, patience and encouragement to succeed?

We are currently looking for a dedicated SEMH Teaching Assistant to join a welcoming Alternative Provision setting in Burgess Hill, supporting young people who may have experienced challenges within mainstream education.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who is calm, resilient and compassionate, with a genuine desire to make a positive difference to the lives of young people.

The Role

As an SEMH Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with teachers and the wider pastoral team to support pupils both academically and emotionally.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with SEMH needs
• Building positive, trusting relationships with young people
• Supporting pupils to manage their emotions and behaviour
• Helping to create a calm, safe and supportive learning environment
• Encouraging engagement with learning and helping pupils reach their potential
• Supporting pupils during challenging situations using positive behaviour strategies
• Working closely with teaching staff and other professionals
• Helping pupils develop confidence, independence and essential life skills
• Acting as a positive role model and maintaining consistent boundaries

About You

We are looking for someone who is:

• Patient, calm and resilient
• Confident supporting young people with challenging behaviour
• Able to build strong relationships while maintaining clear boundaries
• Understanding and non-judgemental
• Passionate about supporting young people who may have struggled in mainstream education
• A strong communicator and team player
• Able to remain composed in challenging situations

Previous experience working with SEMH, challenging behaviour, SEN, youth work, residential care, sports coaching, mentoring or similar settings would be highly beneficial. However, the school is also open to candidates with the right attitude and transferable experience.

Why Apply?

• Opportunity to make a genuine difference to young people's lives
• Supportive and inclusive working environment
• Excellent experience within an Alternative Provision setting
• Opportunity to develop your skills within SEMH and SEN
• Potential for a permanent position for the right candidate

If you are passionate about helping young people overcome barriers and believe you could make a real difference, we would love to hear from you!

Apply today to be considered for this exciting SEMH Teaching Assistant opportunity in Burgess Hill.

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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