Teaching Assistant (SEMH School)
Location: Blackburn, Lancashire (UK)
Start Date: September 2026
Contract: 12-Month Fixed-Term Contract (Full Academic Year)
Schedule: Full-time, 5 days a week (Monday to Friday, Term Time Only)
Pay: £92.89 - £115.89 per day
About Our School
Tradewind are looking for a specialised SEMH (Social, Emotional, and Mental Health) Teaching Assistant to work within an SEMH school in Blackburn dedicated to providing a safe, structured, and nurturing learning environment for pupils who face significant barriers to learning in mainstream education. Our team works hard to re-engage young people, build their self-esteem, and support their emotional and academic development.
Tradewind are currently seeking dedicated, resilient, and empathetic Teaching Assistants to join a close-knit team for the upcoming academic year on a stable, 12-month contract.
The Role & Responsibilities
In an SEMH setting, your day-to-day role goes far beyond standard academic support. You will act as a mentor, role model, and consistent figure in our students' daily routines.
1:1 & Small Group Mentoring: Support pupils with complex SEMH needs, trauma backgrounds, or associated conditions such as ADHD and Autism.
Behaviour Management: Implement positive behaviour strategies, utilising specialised de-escalation techniques to support students during periods of crisis.
Academic Assistance: Help pupils engage with personalisation plans and access the curriculum at a pace that works for them.
Collaborative Support: Work closely with class teachers, pastoral staff, and multi-agency professionals to ensure the wellbeing of every student.
About You
Working in an SEMH school is incredibly rewarding, but it requires a high level of personal resilience, patience, and emotional intelligence.
Requirements:
Resilience: The ability to remain calm, objective, and professional when faced with challenging or disruptive behaviour.
Commitment: Consistency is vital for our pupils. You must be able to commit to a full-time, Monday-to-Friday schedule for the full 12 months.
Background: Prior experience working with SEMH, SEND, or vulnerable youth (e.g., youth work, residential care, sports coaching, or mainstream SEN support) is highly advantageous.
Compliance: An enhanced DBS check registered on the Update Service is essential (or willingness to apply for one immediately).
What We Offer
Stability: A guaranteed 12-month contract spanning the full academic year.
Professional Development: Access to continuous professional development (CPD) and certified training in positive handling and de-escalation (e.g., Team Teach).
Supportive Culture: A welcoming team that values collaboration, peer support, and staff wellbeing.
How to Apply
If you have the passion, resilience, and dedication to make a real difference to vulnerable young people in Blackburn, we want to hear from you.
Please click and apply to submit your CV and a brief cover letter outlining why you are the perfect fit for our team c(url removed) or call (phone number removed)