Contract Term: Fixed term until 27 April 2027
Start Date: As soon as possible
About this Role
We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate SEMH Teaching Assistant to provide Relational Support to join our busy and nurturing school community, working as part of our SEND team.
This is a rewarding opportunity for a skilled practitioner with a genuine passion for supporting children aged 2-11, particularly those with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs.
You will play a key role in supporting pupils across the school who may experience barriers to learning linked to emotional regulation and wellbeing.
You will:
1. Provide responsive, child-centred support during moments of emotional dysregulation
2. Act as a first point of contact to help de-escalate situations in a calm, safe and supportive manner
3. Use co-regulation strategies to support children in returning to a state where they are ready to learn
4. Work restoratively with pupils following incidents, helping them reflect, repair and re-engage positively
5. Deliver targeted SEMH intervention programmes that build self-awareness, emotional literacy and coping strategies
6. Support pupils to maximise their time in class, feeling ready, respectful and safe.
The Ideal Candidate
We are looking for someone who:
7. Has experience (or a strong interest) in supporting children with social, emotional and mental health needs
8. Demonstrates a relational and trauma-informed approach, understanding that behaviour is a form of communication
9. Can build positive, trusting relationships while maintaining clear, consistent boundaries
10. Is calm, reflective and adaptable when responding to a range of needs and situations
11. Is committed to inclusive practice and supporting all children to thrive
12. Works effectively as part of a team and communicates well with staff, pupils and families
13. Experience working with children who may present with behaviours that challenge within an educational or care setting is desirable.
What We Offer
A supportive and collaborative school environment
Opportunities for ongoing professional development
The chance to make a meaningful difference in children’s lives every day
If you are passionate about supporting children’s emotional wellbeing and believe in the power of relationships to enable success, we would love to hear from you.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS disclosure is required for this post. Our Child Protection policy can be found on the school's website. All shortlisted applicants will be subject to an online search.
First Federation Trust require all applicants to be eligible to work in the UK with no restrictions, as we are unable to offer sponsorship/work visas. You will be required to provide proof of Right to Work at interview stage.
All shortlisted applicants will be subject to an online search. Applications supported by recruitment agencies will not be considered.
Visits to the school are recommended by contacting the school office on 01395 266997 or by emailing
About First Federation
Our trust started life as a small group of schools in South Devon and our founding schools have been working together since 2006. We have a wonderfully diverse which range from two-class village schools to much larger, urban primaries, which benefit greatly from working collaboratively, sharing collective experience, and providing support and inspiration to one another.
We are driven by our values and committed to providing the best possible education for all the children in our schools. Our vision is that every individual will aspire, flourish and achieve within the heart of their community.
We offer staff the chance to expand on their skills and knowledge, and progress within the organisation. From our partnership with, which offers Initial Teacher Training with Primary Teacher Training Courses and PGCE, face-to-face training and work experience opportunities, to promoting outstanding career development through our pathways, we support our colleagues at every step of their career.
To find out more visit the, follow us on or or get in touch by or telephone (01626) 244920.
Safeguarding Information
First Federation Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This role requires an enhanced DBS disclosure.
The specific Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy for each of our schools can be found in the safeguarding section of their website, together with information about who the Designated Safeguarding Lead and other Level 3 trained staff are.
All shortlisted applicants will be subject to an online search. Applications supported by recruitment agencies will not be considered.
How to Apply