SEMH Teaching Assistants – Primary & Secondary

Job category: SEMH
Job type: Temporary
Location: Wigan & St Helens
Start Date: Ongoing Opportunities

EdStaff are currently recruiting enthusiastic, resilient and dedicated SEMH Teaching Assistants to support pupils across a range of primary and secondary schools in Wigan and St Helens.

We have opportunities available for candidates looking for an immediate start, with ongoing positions available for those seeking consistent work and the opportunity to build strong relationships within local schools.

About the Role

As an SEMH Teaching Assistant, you will provide vital support to children and young people who may experience Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, helping them to overcome barriers to learning and reach their full potential.

You may work on a 1:1 basis, in small groups or as part of a wider classroom team, supporting pupils with their learning, behaviour, emotional regulation and social development.

We are looking for Teaching Assistants who are patient, understanding, nurturing and confident in managing challenging situations, with a genuine passion for making a positive difference to young people’s lives.

Roles are available across both primary and secondary settings, with opportunities to suit a range of experience levels.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with SEMH needs.
• Build positive, trusting and supportive relationships with children and young people.
• Support pupils with emotional regulation, social development and engagement in learning.
• Assist teachers in creating a positive, inclusive and supportive learning environment.
• Help implement individual behaviour and learning strategies.
• Encourage positive behaviour and promote pupils’ confidence, independence and self-esteem.
• Support pupils who may display challenging or distressed behaviour in a calm and consistent manner.
• Monitor and report on pupil progress, behaviour and wellbeing.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, pastoral teams, SENCOs and other professionals.
• Follow school safeguarding, behaviour and health and safety procedures.
• Promote inclusion and ensure every pupil is treated with dignity and respect.

Person specification

Essential:

• A caring, patient and nurturing approach.
• Strong emotional resilience and the ability to remain calm in challenging situations.
• A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
• A strong understanding of the importance of safeguarding in an educational setting.
• Experience supporting pupils with SEMH, SEND, autism, ADHD or challenging behaviour.
• Relevant qualifications in education, childcare, health and social care, psychology or a related subject.
• Experience using positive behaviour management and de-escalation strategies.

Essential Requirements

• Previous experience working with children or young people, ideally within an educational, care, youth or support setting.
• Relevant qualifications or experience in education, childcare, youth work, psychology, health and social care or a related field are desirable but not essential.
• Right to work in the UK
• Reliable and punctual with a professional attitude
• Enhanced DBS on the update service or willing to obtain one

Why Join EdStaff?

• A dedicated consultant to support you throughout your job search.
• Weekly pay via PAYE.
• Free online CPD accredited learning opportunities.
• Local roles – we find schools that suit your needs and location.
• The opportunity to build strong relationships with local schools, with potential for long-term and permanent positions.
• Competitive pay rates.
• Refer-a-friend scheme.
• Access to a wide range of primary and secondary opportunities across Wigan and St Helens.
• Ongoing support from a team that understands the education sector.

EdStaff are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff to share this commitment.