SEMH Teaching Assistant

Teaching Assistant (SEMH Alternative Provision) Needed This Academic Year 

Reading, Thatcham and Newbury 

Make a Real Difference Where It Matters Most

We are seeking a committed and resilient Support/Teaching Assistant to join our client specialist SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health) alternative provisions based in Reading, Thatcham and Newbury.

This is a rewarding opportunity to support pupils who require additional behavioural, emotional, and social support to succeed in education.

About Our School

The schools are specialist alternative provisions supporting pupils with social, emotional, and mental health needs (SEMH). The students may have experienced barriers to mainstream education and benefit from a highly supportive, structured, and nurturing environment.

Our staff play a vital role in:

• Building positive, trusting relationships with pupils
• Supporting behaviour regulation and emotional wellbeing
• Providing tailored, inclusive approaches to learning
• Creating a safe and consistent environment where pupils can thrive

About the Role

As a Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with teachers and pastoral staff to support pupils both academically and emotionally.

Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting pupils with SEMH needs on a 1:1 and small group basis
• Promoting positive behaviour through consistent and calm approaches
• Helping to deliver structured learning activities and interventions
• Assisting pupils in developing independence and resilience
• Monitoring progress and providing feedback to teaching staff
• Supporting de-escalation and managing challenging behaviours appropriately
• Contributing to a safe, inclusive and engaging learning environment

What We’re Looking For

We are looking for someone who is:

✔ Passionate about supporting young people with additional needs
✔ Calm, patient and resilient in challenging situations
✔ Able to build strong, positive relationships with pupils
✔ A confident communicator and team player
✔ Flexible, proactive, and able to use their initiative

Essential requirements:

• GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Maths (minimum NVQ Level 2)
• Good literacy, numeracy, and ICT skills
• Understanding of how children and young people learn
• Commitment to safeguarding and inclusion

Desirable:

• Experience working with SEMH, SEN, or in an alternative provision
• 3+ years’ experience in a school or similar setting
• Relevant TA qualification (e.g. NVQ Level 3)
• Training in behaviour management or de-escalation techniques
• First Aid qualification

Apply Today

If you are motivated to support pupils who need it most and want a truly meaningful role in education, we would love to hear from you.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.
All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.
Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.
We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.
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