SEMH Teaching Assistant – Specialist SEN School

Location: Leeds
Pay: £92.56–£95 per day
Hours: 08:30am – 15:30pm, Monday to Friday
Job Type: Full-time, Long-term / Temp to Perm

About the Role

At Engage Education, we specialise in recruiting dedicated and passionate support staff for schools across Leeds. We are currently looking to appoint a resilient, patient and enthusiastic SEMH Teaching Assistant to work within a specialist special needs school in Leeds.

The school caters for primary-aged children with a wide range of additional needs, including Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) difficulties, Autism, ADHD, complex learning needs, communication difficulties and challenging behaviours. Some pupils also have medical needs, are non-verbal or require additional support with personal care and their everyday routines.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who has experience supporting children or vulnerable individuals with social, emotional and behavioural needs and is passionate about helping young people overcome barriers to learning.

We are particularly interested in candidates with previous experience in SEMH settings, specialist schools, alternative provisions, residential care, youth work or behavioural support roles.

The Role

As an SEMH Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with teachers and other support staff to provide tailored support to pupils who may struggle with emotional regulation, social interaction, behaviour and engagement in learning.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with SEMH and additional needs.

• Supporting children who may display challenging, disruptive or distressed behaviours.

• Helping pupils develop emotional regulation strategies and positive coping mechanisms.

• Building trusting relationships and acting as a positive role model.

• Implementing individual behaviour support plans and positive behaviour strategies.

• Supporting children with Autism, ADHD and other associated learning needs.

• Encouraging pupils to engage with classroom activities and develop positive learning habits.

• Helping children build confidence, resilience, independence and social skills.

• Supporting pupils through periods of anxiety, frustration or emotional dysregulation.

• Working collaboratively with teachers and other professionals to provide consistent support.

• Assisting with personal care and daily routines where required.

You will need to be confident managing challenging situations whilst maintaining a calm, patient and consistent approach. Building positive relationships and understanding the reasons behind a child’s behaviour will be key to success in this role.

What We’re Looking For

• Previous experience working with children or young people with SEMH needs, challenging behaviours or additional needs.

• Experience within a specialist school, mainstream school, PRU, alternative provision or residential setting.

• Alternatively, a background in youth work, behaviour support, care or residential support.

• Confidence managing challenging behaviours and supporting emotional regulation.

• A good understanding of how trauma, anxiety and additional needs can impact behaviour.

• A patient, resilient and empathetic approach.

• The ability to remain calm, professional and consistent in challenging situations.

• Strong communication skills and the ability to build positive relationships.

• A genuine passion for supporting children who may face barriers to education.

Candidates with transferable experience from care, support work, youth work or residential settings are strongly encouraged to apply. Previous experience in a school is desirable but not essential if you have relevant experience supporting individuals with behavioural or additional needs.

What We Offer

• Full-time, Monday–Friday working hours, 08:30am–15:30pm.

• Competitive daily rate of £92.56–£95.

• Long-term opportunity with the potential for a permanent position.

• The opportunity to develop your experience within a specialist SEND environment.

• A supportive and experienced school team.

• Dedicated support from your own Engage Education recruitment consultant.

• Opportunities to develop your skills and progress within the education sector.

Interested?

If you have experience supporting children or vulnerable individuals with behavioural, emotional or additional needs and are looking for a rewarding opportunity, we would love to hear from you!

Whether you have worked in an SEMH school, residential care, youth work, behaviour support or a similar setting, this is a fantastic opportunity to transfer your skills into specialist education.

Apply today to find out more about this SEMH Teaching Assistant opportunity in Leeds!