We are recruiting for a specialist setting in Gateshead and require a Teaching Assistant to work in an SEN setting specialising in SEMH

The setting is well-regarded and supportive. You will work 8.30-3.30 and could be supporting in either Secondary or Primary depending on your experience or preference.

The roles are Monday to Friday - Term time only

This school is a specialist SEMH setting . SEMH stands for Social, Emotional and Mental Health. This is a heading used to describe young people who will have experienced challenging relationships at home or in school and mainstream education has just not been a good or productive fit . The world we live in now post-pandemic means that unfortunately a lot of our young people have monumental struggles and barrier – which often presents as anger and volatility. Specialist settings step in to show these young people that Education doesn’t have to be an awful experience and Adults can be trusted. That last point is key - learning to trust others is key to supporting pupils to be positive citizens with a desire to improve. Showing pupils that they matter and genuinely emotionally investing in their development makes the most significant difference for them.

One a child is admitted to a specialist setting – they will usually receive 1:1 support or be in a class setting with shared support. Many pupils with SEMH cannot see beyond the classroom, where they struggle with or really dislike learning. Generally – the journey to a specialist setting has been a rough one , with long periods of sporadic school attention and probably a lot of negativity from many sides . Because of this quite common disengagement with authority and school , You’ll find – that in SEMH settings, often the educational offer will include traditional academic subjects – coupled with Vocational sessions based around the interests a pupil has or Particular learning barriers identified in an EHCP ( Education Health and Care Plan )

So -Your role will be either a 1:1 support OR you may work across a small class as part of a team

Your Main Responsibilities

You’ll be a friendly, positive role model.
You will work closely with the class team – led by the teacher. You might sit in a lesson with others or even do some work side by side or in a quiet area.
You’ll establish behaviour boundaries simply by communicating positively and firmly
You will keep the pupil – or pupils on task within lessons, side by side breaking down what’s being taught
You will celebrate the small stuff -Many SEMH pupils find accepting praise very challenging, so finding quiet ways to praise at first can be key. For example, a simple pat on the shoulder or quiet whisper can be very effective in brick-by-brick building a pupil’s self-esteem. When times get tough, reflecting back on these moments can be significant in reminding a pupil of a time when they did get it right !
You’ll learn to spot triggers that can spike negative behaviour – simply by taking time to get to know the young person (S)
You’ll find yourself helping with all sorts of things. You might be helping a strapping lad learn how to tie shoe laces , or re-enforcing positive messages around knife crime all in the same ten minutes . You’ll help with skills for every day life – without probably even realising it , re-enforcing respect, politeness and good conduct
You’ll have eyes in the back of your head – ready to question positively any infringements , but also spotting good stuff and areas that have improved

We require

Relevant or Transferable skill based experience gained in any setting that caters for adults or young people - or personal experience with challenging young people OR the desire to work with Young people who have additional needs
Availability as above - willing to work term -time only
Great rapport building skills, calm and patient
Strong Communication skills
Fully check-able work history
Enhanced DBS on the update service or the willingness to complete an application

Please be advised that this role requires a strong knowledge and understanding of safeguarding and child protection and that successful applicants must satisfy all background safer recruitment checks including a relevant enhanced DBS.
Our advertised teaching roles relate to real vacancies that exist at our client schools. We offer competitive salaries, paid bi-weekly and a great candidate experience including regular contact from our team and a huge commitment for finding work that you want.
In addition to that, we are currently offering £100 for the successful referral of either Teachers or Teaching Assistants