SEMH Learning Support Assistant – Leeds

Are you passionate about supporting young people to overcome barriers to learning and reach their full potential? We are seeking a dedicated SEMH Learning Support Assistant to join a welcoming and supportive secondary academy in Leeds from December.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is patient, resilient and passionate about helping students with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs to engage positively with education. You will play an important role in helping students build confidence, develop positive relationships and make progress both academically and personally.

The school is committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment where every student is encouraged to succeed. You will work alongside experienced teaching and pastoral staff as part of a collaborative team focused on supporting students’ wellbeing, behaviour and learning.

The Role

● Provide Individualised Support: Work 1:1 and with small groups of students, providing tailored academic, emotional and behavioural support.

● Support Learning: Assist teachers in delivering engaging lessons and help students overcome barriers that may prevent them from accessing the curriculum.

● Promote Positive Behaviour: Build positive relationships with students and use consistent, appropriate behaviour strategies to encourage positive choices and engagement.

● Develop Confidence and Independence: Encourage students to develop resilience, self-esteem, social skills and greater independence in their learning.

● Respond to SEMH Needs: Recognise when students may be experiencing emotional or behavioural difficulties and provide calm, appropriate support.

● Work as Part of a Team: Collaborate closely with teachers, pastoral staff, SEND colleagues and other professionals to monitor student progress and provide effective support.

What We’re Looking For

● Experience supporting children or young people with SEMH needs, challenging behaviour or additional needs is highly desirable.

● Patience, empathy and resilience – you will need to remain calm and consistent when supporting students who may display challenging or distressed behaviour.

● Excellent communication and relationship-building skills – the ability to establish trusting, positive relationships with students is essential.

● Strong behaviour management skills and the confidence to set appropriate boundaries while maintaining a supportive and nurturing approach.

● A proactive and adaptable attitude – every student is different, so you will need to be able to adapt your approach to meet individual needs.

● The ability to work effectively as part of a team, taking direction from teaching and pastoral staff while also using your own initiative.

● A genuine commitment to helping young people succeed, both academically and personally.

● A strong understanding of safeguarding and a commitment to promoting the welfare of every child.

Previous experience as a Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant, Behaviour Support Worker, Youth Worker, Residential Support Worker or similar role would be advantageous. Experience working with SEMH, challenging behaviour, trauma or vulnerable young people would be particularly valuable.

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

• Your own dedicated 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.

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 before starting work. Full assistance will be provided.

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