Teaching Assistant – SEMH (HIVE)

SEMH TA (The Hive Unit) – SEND School

• Location: Oldham
• Type: Full-time, Temporary to Permanent
• Working Hours: 08:30 am – 15:30 pm
• Salary: £95 – £100 per day (dependent on experience)

About the Role

Are you passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of children with complex needs? Join our warm, innovative Special Educational Needs (SEN) School in Oldham, where we empower students with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs to thrive both academically and personally.

We are specifically seeking a dedicated and resilient Teaching Assistant to work within “The Hive”—our specialised, low-stimulus nurture unit designed for pupils who require highly personalised SEMH support and a structured, sensory-friendly environment.

In this role, you will be joining a close-knit, highly supportive team that values creativity, deep compassion, and the drive to help every student succeed.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide Personalised Nurture & Support: Work 1:1 and in small groups within The Hive, adapting activities, schedules, and sensory-breaks to meet the diverse needs of the pupils.
• De-escalate & Foster Positive Behaviours: Implement positive behaviour management plans, utilizing nurture-based approaches and therapeutic strategies to help students self-regulate.
• Enhance Learning Experiences: Assist classroom teachers in delivering highly adapted, engaging, and creative lessons tailored specifically for SEMH and sensory needs.
• Collaborate with Specialists: Work closely with the Hive Unit lead, therapists, and external support staff to monitor progress, implement EHCP targets, and celebrate every achievement.

What We’re Looking For

• A genuine passion for working with children who have SEMH needs and associated complex behaviours.
• High levels of empathy, resilience, patience, and excellent communication skills.
• Previous experience working within a nurture unit, sensory hub, or specialist SEMH setting is highly advantageous.
• Training in Team Teach, positive handling, or restorative practice is preferred (but not essential, as training can be provided).
• A proactive team player who thrives in a dynamic, supportive, and therapeutic environment.

About Us

We are Engage Education, the most trusted education recruitment agency, with professional development and support at our core.

• Get paid in line with national scales (AWR compliant)
• Free CPD sessions (including Safeguarding and Behaviour Management)
• Your own dedicated Greater Manchester consultant
• Receive a £50 Amazon voucher when you refer friends!
• Wellbeing support, travel discounts, and retail offers from our partners

How to Apply

You can apply for this role below or get in touch with us directly. All applicants require the appropriate qualifications/experience.

If you are not contacted within 2 working days, unfortunately, you have been unsuccessful in this role. All applicants must have a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check on the Update Service before starting work. Full assistance will be provided if you need to apply for a new one.

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