SEMH Teaching Assistant – Full-time, long-term temporary and ongoing role starting as soon as possible
This school provides a calm, structured, and nurturing environment where pupils benefit from clear routines, strong pastoral systems, and supportive relationships. Staff work collaboratively to maintain high expectations, helping pupils feel safe, motivated, and ready to learn. Pupils with SEMH needs respond well to consistent, patient approaches that promote engagement, confidence, and steady academic and personal development.Duties as SEMH Teaching Assistant:

• Support pupils aged 11–16 with SEMH needs and challenging behaviours
• Work with small groups and on a 1:1 basis in a secondary alternative provision
• Use de‑escalation, regulation, and relationship‑based strategies
• Implement behaviour plans and personalised support approaches
• Help pupils re‑engage with learning through encouragement and structure
• Support lesson activities and transitions throughout the school day
• Work collaboratively with teachers, pastoral teams, and external professionals
• Uphold safeguarding expectations and prioritise pupil well‑being

Ideal SEMH Teaching Assistant:

• Must have valid Team Teach training
• Prior TA experience is essential, ideally within SEMH or alternative provision
• Resilient, patient, and confident managing challenging or dysregulated behaviour
• Able to motivate and build rapport with hard‑to‑reach learners
• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively within a team
• Able to follow behaviour plans while using initiative when needed
• Adaptable, proactive, and committed to supporting pupil development
• Dedicated to safeguarding and promoting pupil welfare

Why Step Teachers?With a rich history spanning over two decades, our teacher recruitment agency proudly serves North London, East London, Hertfordshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Oxfordshire, Cornwall, Devon and Greater Manchester. We foster exclusive relationships with schools and academies in these regions. Our dedicated team, stationed in branches across Barnet, Havering, Norwich, Cambridge, Abingdon, and Plymouth, is committed to supporting and nurturing teachers. Explore rewarding opportunities with our trusted education recruitment services. We are an approved Crown Commercial Service supplier, proud members of the Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC), and REC Audited in Education, which means we have undergone rigorous external auditing to ensure we consistently meet the highest safeguarding and compliance standing in education recruitment. Step Teachers is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All candidates registering with Step Teachers are subject to safeguarding checks in line with the DfE’s statutory guidance Keeping Children Safe in Education, including reference checks and an Enhanced DBS check either registered on the Update Service or willingness to obtain one. Your salary – dependent on experience – is paid weekly through PAYE – that means no self‑employed or umbrella companies. Additionally, you gain access to a range of exclusive deals, including discounted high‑street shopping, travel offers, gym memberships, and more. Moreover, our pay portal offers comprehensive physical and emotional well‑being services as standard, ensuring your overall wellness is taken care of. Recommend a friend to receive a £100 Amazon voucher for yourself, and a chance for you both to win a holiday worth up to £1000 – If you know anyone who is looking for temporary, permanent or supply work then get in touch with us today!