SEMH Teaching Assistant

SEMH Teaching Assistant – Behaviour & Learning Support

Location: Leeds, West Yorkshire
Job Type: Full-Time | Monday–Friday | Long-Term
Start Date: ASAP

Are you an experienced SEMH Teaching Assistant, Behaviour Support Worker or Learning Mentor who is passionate about helping children overcome barriers to education?

We are recruiting a SEMH Teaching Assistant to join a specialist educational setting in Leeds, supporting pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, behavioural difficulties and additional learning needs.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who understands that behaviour is often a form of communication and has the patience, resilience and relationship-building skills to help vulnerable children feel safe, supported and ready to learn.

We are particularly interested in candidates with experience in SEMH schools, Alternative Provisions (AP), Pupil Referral Units (PRUs), SEND settings, behaviour support or pastoral care.

The Role

As an SEMH Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with teaching staff and other professionals to provide targeted behavioural, emotional and learning support to pupils who may struggle to access mainstream education.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with SEMH needs and challenging behaviour.
• Building positive, trusting relationships with children who may have experienced difficulties in education.
• Supporting pupils with emotional regulation, behaviour management and developing positive relationships.
• Using de-escalation, restorative approaches and positive behaviour strategies to manage challenging situations.
• Helping pupils overcome barriers to learning, improve engagement and develop confidence.
• Supporting teachers in implementing individual behaviour plans, learning targets and personalised interventions.
• Encouraging pupils to develop emotional literacy, resilience, independence and social skills.
• Monitoring pupil progress and working collaboratively with teachers, pastoral teams and other professionals.

This is a hands-on role where building relationships and understanding individual behaviour is just as important as supporting academic learning.

Who Are We Looking For?

We are looking for someone who is confident supporting children with additional emotional and behavioural needs and who can remain calm, consistent and professional in challenging situations.

Ideally, you will have:

• Previous experience supporting children or young people with SEMH, SEND or challenging behaviour.
• Experience working in a school, Alternative Provision, PRU, specialist education setting or similar environment.
• A good understanding of trauma-informed practice, emotional regulation and positive behaviour management.
• The ability to build strong relationships with pupils who may be disengaged from education.
• Confidence supporting pupils both academically and emotionally.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• A patient, resilient and proactive approach to supporting vulnerable learners.

Desirable experience or qualifications:

• Level 2 or Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification.
• Team Teach, PRICE or other positive behaviour intervention training.
• Experience delivering behaviour, pastoral or emotional literacy interventions.
• Experience supporting children with ADHD, Autism, attachment difficulties or additional mental health needs.

We also welcome applications from experienced Youth Workers, Residential Children’s Support Workers and Behaviour Mentors who have supported vulnerable children or young people and are looking to move into education.

What We Offer

• Full-time, long-term work with an immediate start.
• The opportunity to make a genuine difference to children with additional emotional and behavioural needs.
• Valuable experience within specialist education and behaviour support.
• Ongoing support from a dedicated education recruitment consultant.
• Access to professional development and relevant training opportunities.
• Opportunities to develop your career within SEND, SEMH and specialist education.

Apply Today

If you are an experienced SEMH Teaching Assistant, Behaviour Support Worker, Learning Mentor or SEND Support Worker looking for a rewarding full-time position in Leeds, we would love to hear from you.

Apply today with your CV to be considered for an immediate start.