SEMH Teaching Assistant

SEMH Teaching Assistant

Location: South Gloucestershire
Opportunities: Full-time Part-time Long-term Flexible Supply
Age Range: Primary & Secondary

Make a real difference where it matters most!

We are recruiting experienced SEMH Teaching Assistants to work within a specialist alternative learning setting in South Gloucestershire, supporting children and young people who require a highly personalised, trauma-informed approach to education.

This provision supports pupils who have struggled to thrive in mainstream education due to social, emotional and mental health needs, often alongside additional needs such as ADHD, autism, attachment difficulties, anxiety and behavioural regulation challenges.

These roles are suited to practitioners who are confident, resilient and genuinely passionate about supporting vulnerable learners to re-engage with education.

The pupils you'll be supporting

Children and young people in this setting may:

• Display challenging behaviour, emotional dysregulation or heightened anxiety
• Have experienced trauma, disrupted education or exclusion
• Struggle with trust, boundaries, self-esteem and emotional regulation
• Require consistent routines, clear expectations and strong relationships
• Work in small groups or 1:1, often outside of a traditional classroom model

Progress can be gradual - success is often seen in improved engagement, emotional regulation, attendance and confidence, rather than purely academic outcomes.

Your role as an SEMH Teaching Assistant

• Support pupils 1:1 and in small groups across primary and secondary ages
• Build strong, consistent relationships to help pupils feel safe and regulated
• Support learning activities while prioritising emotional wellbeing and engagement
• Use de-escalation strategies and positive behaviour approaches effectively
• Help pupils develop social skills, emotional literacy and self-regulation
• Work collaboratively with teachers, therapists and pastoral teams
• Maintain clear boundaries, routines and expectations
• Record observations and contribute to behaviour and support plans

This role is suited to candidates who have:

Essential experience:

• Previous experience working with children or young people with SEMH needs, or
• Strong classroom experience within alternative provision, PRU, SEN or mainstream settings with high behavioural needs

Highly desirable experience:

• Supporting pupils with SEMH, ADHD, autism, attachment or trauma-related needs
• Experience across both primary and secondary age ranges
• Confidence managing challenging behaviour in a calm, consistent manner
• Backgrounds in education, youth work, mental health or pastoral support

Key skills and qualities we're looking for

• Calm, patient and emotionally resilient
• Confident with behaviour management and de-escalation
• Able to remain consistent and professional during challenging moments
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Adaptable, proactive and team-focused
• A genuine commitment to supporting vulnerable learners

Opportunities available

We have multiple opportunities to suit experienced SEMH practitioners, including:

• Flexible part-time or full-time roles
• Long-term, full-time placements for the right candidates
• Consistent work within one setting rather than day-to-day supply

Why Join Tradewind?
At Tradewind, we don't just place candidates - we champion them. Here's what you can expect:

• Your income matters: We'll always secure the best rate for your skills
• Your development matters: 2,500+ FREE CPD courses via The National College
• Your flexibility matters: Roles that fit your lifestyle and goals
• Your wellbeing matters: Sunday Times Top 100 Employer four years running
• Your values matter: We are an Equal Opportunities Employer and truly inclusive

If you're passionate about helping young people overcome barriers as a SEMH Teaching Assistant, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today or contact Tradewind Recruitment to find out more about joining our SEMH support team.