Are you passionate about making a lasting difference in the lives of young people?
While professional experience and qualifications are key for this role, make sure to check you have the preferable soft skills before applying if required.
Do you have the resilience, empathy, and commitment to support children who’ve faced trauma and adversity?
We’re recruiting for a Teaching Assistant to join a highly nurturing, trauma-informed specialist school in Cumbria. The school caters primarily for secondary-aged pupils with SEMH needs, many of whom are in care or have experienced significant childhood trauma. This unique setting is part of a larger organisation that includes children’s homes, offering integrated, therapeutic care and education for its students.
About the School
* Independent specialist provision with small class sizes and high staff-to-student ratios
* Supports pupils aged 11–16 with SEMH, SEND, and other complex needs
* Trauma-informed, relationship-centred practice at the heart of everything they do
* Classes operate in a primary-style, nurture-based model, tailored to each learner’s needs
* Close collaboration between education and care teams
The Role
* Support students in the classroom alongside the teacher
* Deliver 1:1 and small group interventions focused on emotional regulation, communication, and academic development
* Build trusting, therapeutic relationships with young people
* Help manage behaviour using de-escalation and positive support strategies
* Be a consistent, calm presence – celebrating progress in all its forms
What We’re Looking For
* Experience working with children or young people in care, education, or residential settings
* Understanding of SEMH, attachment needs, and trauma-informed practice
* A positive, resilient, and empathetic approach
* Ability to build meaningful, professional relationships with vulnerable learners
* Strong communication skills and the ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team
Attitude and approach are more important than qualifications – if you’re passionate, reliable, and child-centred, we want to hear from you.
Contract Details
* Temp-to-perm contract: £95–£110/day
* Transition to permanent contract (after 4–6 weeks): £21,292 per annum
* Ongoing CPD and training provided
* Supportive leadership and well-established team
Interested?
If this unique specialist environment could be for you, send your CV to i.withey@linqhc.co.uk, or apply today!