SEMH Teaching Assistant

Location: St Neots, Cambridgeshire
Employer: Tradewind Recruitment
Contract: Full-time, long-term opportunity

Tradewind Recruitment is currently seeking a dedicated, resilient and compassionate SEMH Teaching Assistant to join a specialist secondary school in the St Neots area.

This is a fantastic opportunity to make a genuine difference in the lives of young people who experience social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs. You will be supporting secondary-aged pupils who may face challenges with emotional regulation, behaviour, engagement and accessing education.

We are particularly interested in candidates who have previous experience working with teenagers with SEMH needs, challenging behaviour or mental health difficulties and who can provide the consistency, patience and positive role modelling these young people need.

As an SEMH Teaching Assistant, you will:

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support to secondary-aged pupils with SEMH needs.

• Build positive, trusting relationships with students, helping them feel safe, supported and understood.

• Support young people with emotional regulation, self-esteem and developing positive coping strategies.

• Use effective de-escalation techniques to manage challenging behaviour calmly and confidently.

• Encourage students to re-engage with learning and develop positive attitudes towards education.

• Support pupils in accessing lessons and completing learning activities across the secondary curriculum.

• Promote positive behaviour, clear boundaries and consistent expectations.

• Work closely with teachers, pastoral staff and other professionals to support individual student needs.

• Help create a structured, safe and nurturing learning environment.

We are looking for someone who:

• Has previous experience supporting secondary-aged pupils or teenagers with SEMH needs, mental health difficulties or challenging behaviour.

• Is confident managing challenging situations and supporting young people through periods of emotional distress.

• Understands trauma-informed approaches and the importance of building positive relationships.

• Has a calm, patient and consistent approach, with the ability to maintain professional boundaries.

• Is resilient, adaptable and confident working with young people who may display challenging behaviours.

• Can encourage, motivate and engage students who may have struggled with mainstream education.

• Is passionate about helping vulnerable young people overcome barriers and reach their potential.

Experience within a secondary SEMH school, alternative provision, specialist setting, residential childcare or youth support service would be particularly beneficial.

• Competitive daily rates, dependent on experience.

• Access to free professional development and CPD opportunities.

• Access to the National College following your first day of work.

• A dedicated consultant providing ongoing support throughout your placement.

• Opportunities to gain experience within specialist education settings.

• Potential for longer-term and permanent opportunities.

If you have experience supporting teenagers with SEMH needs and are looking for a rewarding opportunity within a specialist secondary school in the St Neots area, we would love to hear from you.

For further information or to apply, please contact Hannah at Tradewind Recruitment: