Teaching Assistant (SEMH)

Location: Basingstoke
Start Date: September
Hours: Full-Time, Monday to Friday, Term Time Only
Pay: Equivalent to £14.25 per hour
Age Group: 11-16

We are recruiting for a committed, resilient and enthusiastic Teaching Assistant to join a specialist secondary provision supporting pupils aged 11-16 with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.

This is a rewarding opportunity for someone who is passionate about helping young people overcome barriers to learning, develop confidence and make positive progress both academically and personally.

The school provides a structured, supportive environment for pupils who may require additional support with their emotional wellbeing, behaviour, relationships and engagement in education. Pupils may attend on a short-term or longer-term basis, depending on their individual needs and level of support required.

You will work as part of a dedicated team, supporting pupils both inside and outside the classroom and helping to create a safe, consistent and positive environment where they can succeed.

This is a varied, hands‑on role where you will work closely with class teachers and the wider school team to support teaching, learning, behaviour and pupil wellbeing.

You will play an important role in helping pupils access their education, particularly where emotional or behavioural difficulties may create barriers to learning.

• Supporting teachers to deliver structured, engaging and accessible lessons
• Providing 1:1 and small-group support to reinforce learning and encourage participation
• Helping pupils stay focused and engaged with classroom activities
• Assisting with lesson preparation, classroom activities and learning resources
• Adapting tasks and resources where appropriate to meet individual needs
• Supporting pupils with their behaviour using agreed school strategies and approaches
• Helping pupils recognise and regulate their emotions, particularly during challenging situations
• Providing reassurance and encouragement when pupils are anxious, frustrated or disengaged
• Promoting positive behaviour, appropriate boundaries and respectful interactions
• Building positive, trusting and consistent relationships with pupils
• Supporting pupils during transitions and less structured parts of the school day
• Encouraging pupils to develop greater confidence, independence and responsibility
• Working closely with teachers and other members of the school team to monitor and support pupil progress

You will not be expected to lead whole classes independently, although confidence in supporting small‑group activities and targeted interventions would be beneficial.

The school supports young people aged 11-16 with a range of Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. Pupils may attend for a short-term placement or remain at the school for a longer period, depending on their individual circumstances and support requirements.

Pupils may experience challenges such as:

• Difficulty managing emotions including anger, anxiety or frustration
• Low confidence or self-esteem
• Difficulties with behaviour and emotional regulation
• Challenges engaging with learning or remaining focused
• Difficulties managing relationships with peers and adults
• Difficulty responding to boundaries or changes in routine
• Previous negative experiences within education
• Barriers to developing positive relationships and trusting adults

The successful candidate will understand that behaviour is often a form of communication and will be able to respond with patience, consistency and empathy, while maintaining clear and appropriate boundaries.

A calm approach is particularly important when supporting pupils during challenging moments. You will need to remain professional and composed, follow agreed strategies and work consistently with the wider team.

As a Teaching Assistant, you will contribute to cr

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