SEMH Teaching Assistant

Are you a compassionate, resilient and enthusiastic SEN Teaching Assistant looking to support children and young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs , Autism (ASD) , and complex learning profiles ? This specialist independent provision is seeking a dedicated individual to join their nurturing, therapeutic and forward-thinking team.

The provision supports pupils aged 7 to 18 with a range of additional needs, using approaches that prioritise emotional regulation , communication development , and restorative, trauma-informed practice . The team works closely with multi-disciplinary professionals to ensure every learner can flourish academically, socially and emotionally. get-inform ice.gov.uk , jobs.keys- roup.co.uk

About the Role

As an SEN Teaching Assistant, you will play a key role in supporting pupils with:

• SEMH needs
• Autism (ASD)
• Communication and interaction difficulties
• Learning difficulties and gaps in prior learning
• Behavioural and emotional regulation challenges

You will work alongside teachers, SENCOs, and therapeutic specialists (e.g., Speech and Language , Lego Therapy , Drawing & Talking , sensory interventions) to help deliver a personalised, structured curriculum that builds confidence, independence and resilience. jobs.keys- roup.co.uk

Key Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1, small-group and classroom support , adapting approaches to meet the needs of individual learners
• Implement tailored strategies including trauma-informed practice , restorative behaviour approaches , sensory regulation , visual supports , and communication aids
• Support pupils with emotional regulation , de-escalation , and positive behaviour routines
• Assist with delivering a curriculum designed to strengthen language, communication , and core academic skills
• Participate in therapeutic and intervention programmes (e.g., Lego Therapy, sensory room work)
• Build strong, trusting relationships with pupils to encourage engagement and progress
• Work collaboratively with teachers, SENCOs, therapists, and external agencies as part of a holistic provision
• Contribute to maintaining a safe, structured, supportive environment where pupils feel valued and understood

Skills & Experience

We welcome candidates from:

• Education , SEND , care , residential support , youth work , or SEMH provisions
• Backgrounds supporting children with challenging behaviour , neurodiversity , or trauma-related needs

Ideal qualities include:

• Patience, empathy and emotional resilience
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Calm, consistent and nurturing approach
• Ability to use behaviour support strategies and adapt to pupils' individual needs
• An interest in therapeutic, restorative and holistic education methods

Desirable:

• Experience with Team Teach , MAPA , Zones of Regulation , sensory strategies
• Understanding of SEMH and trauma-informed frameworks
• Knowledge of alternative curriculums and interventions