SEMH Teaching Assistant

Are you a calm, resilient, and empathetic mentor looking for a stable, long-term opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of vulnerable young people?

We are currently seeking a dedicated Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) Teaching Assistant to join a dynamic, supportive school team in Cambridge on a full-time, permanent basis.

This role is ideal for an individual with a strong pastoral background who excels at building trust, managing complex emotional behaviours, and supporting children who face barriers to learning. You will work closely with classroom teachers, SENCOs, and pastoral leads to create a safe, structured, and nurturing environment where pupils with SEMH needs, trauma backgrounds, or neurodivergent profiles (such as ADHD and ASC) can flourish.

• Deliver tailored 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with SEMH needs, assisting them with emotional regulation, conflict resolution, and academic engagement.

• Implement individual Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and positive behaviour management strategies in collaboration with the SENCO and inclusion team.

• Utilise gentle de-escalation techniques and trauma-informed approaches to manage challenging behaviours and diffuse high-anxiety situations.

• Act as a consistent, dependable mentor and positive role model, helping young people build self-esteem, social confidence, and emotional resilience.

• Support pupils during unstructured times (such as breaktimes, lunchtimes, and extracurricular activities) to encourage positive social interactions.

• Maintain detailed, objective records of student progress, emotional triggers, and achievements to present during multi-agency reviews and parent meetings.

• Proven Experience: Direct experience supporting children or young adults with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, complex behaviour, or trauma (in mainstream schools, specialist provisions, alternative provision/PRUs, youth work, or residential care).

• A patient, grounded, and emotionally resilient personality with excellent boundaries and a non-judgemental attitude.

• De-escalation training (e.g., Team Teach, MAPA, or Safety-Net) is highly advantageous, though comprehensive training will be provided.

• Strong communication and active-listening skills, with the ability to establish positive, trusting relationships with disengaged or anxious learners.

• A valid Enhanced DBS check registered on the Update Service (or a willingness to complete one during the recruitment process).

• Permanent Security: A full-time, contracted role offering long-term stability and career progression within the education sector.

• Competitive Salary: Reflective of your experience, qualifications, and the specialist nature of the role.

• Continuous Professional Development: Access to ongoing specialist training in trauma-informed care, de-escalation, and mental health first aid.

• Supportive Environment: A passionate, collaborative leadership and pastoral team dedicated to staff well-being and student success.

Transform the educational experience for young people who need it most.

How to Apply: Please send your up-to-date CV and a brief covering message outlining your SEMH support experience to [email removed] or call [phone removed] for a confidential chat about this permanent position in Cambridge.

We are strictly committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All candidates will be required to undergo comprehensive vetting, reference checks, and an enhanced DBS disclosure.

experience

Teaching

skills

ability to track progression in attainment,background in youth work,behaviour management,building relationships,classroom management,communication,de-escalation techniques,empathy,experience in administering medication,experience in managing challenging behaviour,experience with autism spectrum disorders,experience with learning difficulties,experience with social emotional mental health,inclusiveness,manual handling,marking,mentor experience,personal care experience,planning,resilience,restraint training,speech and language therapy experience