SEMH Teaching Assistant

Job description

Job title: SEMH Teaching Assistant

Location: Sheffield

Salary: £460–£600 per week (depending on experience)

Start Date: ASAP

Contract Type: Long-Term/Day-to-day, Full-Time/Part-Time

Are you patient, understanding and passionate about helping young people overcome social, emotional and mental health challenges?

GSL Education South Yorkshire Branch are looking for a compassionate SEMH Teaching Assistant (TA) to support pupils in a school in Sheffield. This opportunity is ideal for someone who can build positive relationships with young people, provide consistent guidance and help create a safe and supportive learning environment.

You will work closely with teaching staff to understand individual needs and provide tailored support throughout the school day. Your ability to remain calm, encourage positive choices and build trust will be essential in helping pupils engage with their education.

As an SEMH Teaching Assistant, you will:

• Provide one-to-one and small-group support to pupils with SEMH needs.
• Help pupils manage their emotions and develop positive coping strategies.
• Encourage engagement with classroom activities and learning tasks.
• Support the implementation of individual behaviour and learning plans.
• Build trusting relationships with pupils through patience and consistency.
• Respond appropriately to challenging situations and emotional difficulties.
• Work collaboratively with teachers and other support staff.

Requirements for the SEMH Teaching Assistant role:

• Previous experience supporting children or young people with SEMH or additional needs is desirable.
• Understanding of social, emotional and mental health needs.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• A patient, empathetic and resilient approach.
• Ability to manage challenging situations calmly and professionally.
• Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificate on the Update Service, or willingness to apply.

If you have a genuine interest in supporting young people who face additional challenges and can offer encouragement without judgement, we would love to hear from you. Your patience and commitment could make a real difference to pupils' confidence and progress.

What can GSL Education offer you?

• Opportunities to work in supportive schools across Sheffield.
• Ongoing guidance from a dedicated education consultant.
• Competitive weekly pay and opportunities to develop your experience in specialist support.

Please be advised that this role requires a strong knowledge and understanding of safeguarding and child protection and that successful applicants must satisfy all background safer recruitment checks, including providing an enhanced DBS certificate registered on the Update Service, or completing an application for a new check.

As an ethical, inclusive and independent recruitment agency, GSL Education are committed to providing quality teaching and support staff in schools across South Yorkshire.

For more information or to register your interest in the SEMH Teaching Assistant role, or to be considered, please click ‘apply now’ to submit your full and up-to-date CV, and one of our dedicated consultants will be in touch