Teaching assistant (SEMH)

Empowering learning are currently recruiting on behalf of a specialist SEMH school in Oxfordshire for an experienced Teaching Assistant to join their dedicated and supportive team on a supply/flexible working basis.

This is a rewarding opportunity to work within a nurturing environment supporting pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. Classes are intentionally small, with typically 3-5 pupils per class, allowing staff to provide focused support and build strong, positive relationships with students.

About the Role

As an SEMH Teaching Assistant, you will play a key role in supporting pupils both academically and emotionally throughout the school day.

You will:

• Support students on a 1:1 basis and within small classes of 3-5 pupils
• Help create a calm, safe, and structured learning environment
• Build positive relationships with pupils to encourage trust, engagement, and progress
• Support students with emotional regulation and behaviour management
• Work closely with teachers and pastoral teams to implement support strategies
• Encourage confidence, resilience, and positive behaviour
• Adapt your approach to meet the individual needs of each pupil

Who We''re Looking For

We would love to hear from you if you:

• Have previous experience working as a Teaching Assistant, particularly within SEMH, SEND, PRU, or alternative provision settings
• Have experience supporting children or young people with challenging behaviour or additional needs
• Are calm, patient, resilient, and emotionally durable in challenging situations
• Can remain professional and composed under pressure
• Are passionate about supporting vulnerable young people to achieve their potential
• Have excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• Are adaptable, reliable, and able to work effectively as part of a team
• Hold relevant qualifications or equivalent experience within education or care settings

Key Attributes for Success

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Calmness under pressure
• Patience and understanding
• Emotional resilience and durability
• Consistency and reliability
• A nurturing and supportive approach

Why Apply?

• Opportunity to work within a highly supportive SEMH setting
• Small class sizes allowing meaningful pupil engagement
• A rewarding role where you can genuinely make a difference
• Supportive leadership and collaborative staff team
• Competitive rates of pay and ongoing support

Apply Now

If you are passionate about supporting young people with SEMH needs and believe you have the patience, calmness, and resilience to thrive in this role, I would love to hear from you.

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