Sen Teaching Assistant

KS3/4 SEMH Teaching Assistant

Location: BS9 and surrounding areas of Bristol
Salary: £90 - £110 per day (dependent on experience)
Job Type: Full-Time, Term Time Only
Contract: Temporary to Permanent opportunities available
Start Date: Immediate / September 2026

SEMH Teaching Assistant – Make a Difference Every Day

Are you passionate about supporting young people who face barriers to learning? Do you have the patience, resilience, and commitment to help pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs thrive?

We are seeking dedicated SEMH Teaching Assistants to work within specialist schools, alternative provisions, and SEND settings across BS9 and the surrounding Bristol area. This is a rewarding opportunity to support pupils who may have experienced trauma, adverse childhood experiences, anxiety, attachment difficulties, ADHD, autism, or challenging behaviour.

The Role

As an SEMH Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with teachers and pastoral staff to provide tailored support to pupils both in and out of the classroom. You will play a key role in helping students regulate emotions, engage with learning, develop positive relationships, and achieve their individual goals.

Key Responsibilities

Provide one-to-one and small group support for pupils with SEMH needs.
Build positive and trusting relationships with students.
Support emotional regulation and behaviour management strategies.
Assist with classroom learning and differentiated activities.
Promote a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment.
Encourage the development of social skills, resilience, and self-esteem.
Work collaboratively with teachers, SENCOs, therapists, and families.
Record and report on student progress and wellbeing.

What We're Looking For

Experience working with children or young people, ideally within education, care, youth work, coaching, or support services.
A calm, patient, and empathetic approach.
Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
Confidence managing challenging behaviour using positive and restorative approaches.
Ability to remain resilient in a fast-paced environment.
A genuine passion for supporting vulnerable young people.

Desirable Experience

Previous SEMH, SEND, or Alternative Provision experience.
Knowledge of trauma-informed practice.
Experience supporting pupils with ADHD, ASD, attachment needs, or anxiety.
Team Teach or similar behaviour management training.
Psychology, Education, Youth Work, Care, or Social Work background.

What We Offer

Competitive daily rates.
Ongoing training and professional development.
Opportunities for permanent employment.
Dedicated consultant support.
Rewarding work that genuinely changes lives.
Experience that can support future careers in teaching, educational psychology, counselling, social work, or youth services.

Safeguarding

This role is subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff to share this commitment.

If you're passionate about helping young people overcome barriers and reach their potential, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today and start making a difference.

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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