SEMH Teaching Assistant

Posted 28/10/26
Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, East of England
95 - 120 per day
Starts: ASAP
About the Role
A dedicated school is seeking a compassionate and proactive Teaching Assistant to provide essential support to primary pupils with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. This vital role involves working within a specialist SEMH setting, focusing on de-escalation techniques, mentoring, and building strong positive relationships with children to foster their growth and well-being. We offer flexible contract options including long-term, short-term, daily supply, or permanent positions, starting ASAP, with a competitive daily rate ranging from £95 to £120.

Key Responsibilities
* Providing tailored support to primary pupils with SEMH needs.
* Implementing effective de-escalation strategies in challenging situations.
* Delivering nurturing mentoring sessions on an individual or small group basis.
* Cultivating positive and trusting relationships with all pupils.
* Assisting the class teacher in managing classroom behaviour and learning.
* Contributing to the overall inclusive ethos of the specialist setting.

About You
* Demonstrable experience supporting primary-aged children with SEMH challenges.
* A genuine passion for making a positive impact on young lives.
* Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
* Resilience, empathy, and a patient approach to pupil development.
* The ability to work effectively as part of a supportive team.
* A proactive and adaptable mindset, ready to embrace new challenges.

Why Join
Joining our school means becoming part of a supportive community dedicated to pupil success and staff well-being. You will have the opportunity to profoundly impact the lives of vulnerable children, grow professionally within a specialist environment, and enjoy the flexibility of various contract types, all while experiencing truly rewarding work.

Not quite the right role? We're working with a number of schools and nurseries — feel free to get in touch to discuss other current opportunities.

Dunbar Education is committed to safeguarding children and young people. All roles are subject to enhanced DBS checks, references, and full compliance with safer recruitment procedures. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds.

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