SEN Teaching Assistant - SEMH

<p><strong>SEN Teaching Assistant - SEMH (Southampton SO32)</strong></p><p></p><p>Our client SEN school in Southampton (SO32) is seeking calm, resilient, and nurturing SEN Teaching Assistants to join their specialist team. The school supports pupils in Key Stages 2-4 who present with a range of social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs, often alongside additional learning difficulties, communication challenges, or behavioural barriers that impact engagement and wellbeing.</p><p></p><p>This role is ideal for individuals who are passionate about helping young people build confidence, develop emotional regulation skills, and re-engage positively with learning in a therapeutic, supportive environment.</p><p>The school also welcomes applications from candidates seeking flexible work, including day-to-day, short-term, and long-term supply opportunities.</p><p></p><p><strong>Key Responsibilities</strong></p><ul><li>Providing consistent, trauma-informed support to pupils with SEMH needs, including those who may struggle with emotional regulation, anxiety, low self-esteem, or challenging behaviour</li><li>Supporting pupils through difficult moments, helping them manage triggers, transitions, and social interactions</li><li>Encouraging engagement through practical, creative, and differentiated learning activities tailored to individual needs</li><li>Promoting emotional wellbeing, safety, and positive behaviour throughout the school day</li><li>Helping pupils develop communication skills, resilience, social understanding, independence, and coping strategies</li><li>Building trusting, stable relationships using calm, clear, and empathetic communication</li><li>Working collaboratively with teachers, pastoral teams, behaviour specialists, and external professionals to deliver holistic, person-centred support</li></ul><p><strong>Contract Details</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Location:</strong> Southampton SO32</li><li><strong>Position:</strong> SEN Teaching Assistant - SEMH</li><li><strong>Start Date:</strong> September 2026</li><li><strong>Contract Type:</strong> Full-time with temp-to-perm pathways available; ad-hoc supply roles also offered</li><li><strong>Working Hours:</strong> 08:30am - 15:30pm</li><li><strong>Pay Rate:</strong> From £14.25 per hour</li></ul><p><strong>Requirements</strong></p><p>You must:</p><ul><li>Have the Right to Work in the UK</li><li>Hold an enhanced child-barred list DBS on the Update Service (or be willing to apply)</li><li>Provide professional references covering the last 24 months</li><li>Hold a Level 2/3 qualification in childcare, education, or health & social care <strong>or</strong> have relevant experience supporting young people with SEMH or complex behavioural needs</li></ul><p><strong>What We Offer</strong></p><ul><li>Free accredited CPD, including safeguarding, behaviour support, and de-escalation</li><li>Access to a specialist in-house Training & Development Team</li><li>Ongoing support from a dedicated SEN consultant</li><li>A warm, inclusive school environment with strong staff culture and opportunities for progression</li></ul><p><strong>Refer a Friend</strong></p><p>Know someone who would thrive in a specialist SEMH setting? You can earn a referral bonus for every successful recommendation (T&Cs apply).</p><img src="https://www.jobg8.com/Tracking.aspx?DyzhIrFTnLcTH7uEuOkmTsHFl9F2M6qWm" width="0" height="0" />