SEMH Teaching Assistant

Location: Keighley, West Yorkshire

Pay: Competitive daily rate

Contract Type: Flexible / Ad Hoc / Supply

Start Date: September 2026

Are you a resilient and empathetic individual passionate about supporting children with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs? Do you excel at building strong, trust-based relationships with young people who require extra guidance to navigate their school day? Are you looking for flexible, day-to-day work starting this September that fits around your personal commitments?

If so, Randstad Education wants to hear from you. We are currently recruiting adaptable SEMH Teaching Assistants for day-to-day ad hoc supply cover within an outstanding specialist setting based in the Keighley area.

They are a dedicated, specialist school providing a tailored educational environment for children and young people aged 11 to 19 with complex Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, alongside associated learning and behavioural challenges. They pride themselves on a trauma-informed, therapeutic approach that prioritises emotional regulation, mutual respect, and holistic development. Through small class sizes, high staff-to-pupil ratios, and an engaging, practical curriculum, they ensure every learner feels supported to re-engage with education and achieve their full potential.

In this flexible day-to-day cover role, you will step in to support class teachers and permanent support staff across various classrooms and year groups. Your key duties will include:

• Working directly with young people to keep them focused on their tasks, adapting academic activities to suit their individual emotional and learning profiles.

• Utilising positive behaviour support and de-escalation techniques to manage challenging behaviours calmly and constructively.

• Guiding pupils through designated quiet times, movement breaks, or sensory spaces when they feel overwhelmed or anxious.

• Assisting the lead teacher in maintaining a safe, calm, and structured learning environment throughout the school day.

• Acting as a positive role model and mentor to boost pupils self-esteem, social confidence, and emotional resilience.

• A grounded, calm, and non-judgmental approach when managing emotionally challenging situations.

• Previous experience working with children or young adults with SEMH, challenging behaviour, or complex needs within education, youth work, or care settings.

• Excellent interpersonal skills to connect quickly with young people and build effective working relationships with colleagues.

• The confidence to take initiative, adapt to different classroom dynamics, and step in wherever support is needed.

• Previous experience supporting children or young people with special educational needs (SEN) or SEMH within the UK.

• Full eligibility to work in the UK (please note, visa sponsorship is not available for this role).

• An Enhanced DBS check registered on the Update Service, or a willingness to undergo a new check via Randstad.

When you partner with Randstad Education, you are supported by a global recruitment leader with a deeply personal, local approach. Benefits include:

• Flexible Working: Total control over your schedule-choose the days you want to work on a flexible, ad hoc basis.

• Team Teach Training: Free access to accredited professional development, including Team Teach positive behaviour support training.

• Referral Scheme: Earn £300 in Love2shop vouchers for every person you successfully refer to us (T&Cs apply).

Click Apply Now directly to submit your application, or contact the SEN Team for any further questions:

📧 Email: [email removed]

📞 Call: [phone removed]

experience

Non Teaching

skills

behaviour management