SEMH Teaching Assistant

Role Overview

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.

• 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

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

• Pay is dependent on experience
• Paid weekly through PAYE (no self‑employed or umbrella companies)
• Access to exclusive deals (discounted high‑street shopping, travel offers, gym memberships, and more)
• Comprehensive physical and emotional well‑being services as standard
• Recommendation bonus: recommend a friend to receive a £100 Amazon voucher for yourself, and a chance for both to win a holiday worth up to £1000

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.

Jobs are provided by the Find a Job Service from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).