SEMH Teaching Assistant
Location: South Gloucestershire
Opportunities: Full-time | Part-time | Long-term | Flexible Supply
Age Range: Primary & Secondary
Make a real difference where it matters most!
We are recruiting experienced SEMH Teaching Assistants to work within a specialist alternative learning setting in South Gloucestershire, supporting children and young people who require a highly personalised, trauma-informed approach to education.
This provision supports pupils who have struggled to thrive in mainstream education due to social, emotional and mental health needs, often alongside additional needs such as ADHD, autism, attachment difficulties, anxiety and behavioural regulation challenges.
These roles are suited to practitioners who are confident, resilient and genuinely passionate about supporting vulnerable learners to re-engage with education.
The pupils you'll be supporting
Children and young people in this setting may:
1. Display challenging behaviour, emotional dysregulation or heightened anxiety
2. Have experienced trauma, disrupted education or exclusion
3. Struggle with trust, boundaries, self-esteem and emotional regulation
4. Require consistent routines, clear expectations and strong relationships
5. Work in small groups or 1:1, often outside of a traditional classroom model
Progress can be gradual - success is often seen in improved engagement, emotional regulation, attendance and confidence, rather than purely academic outcomes.
Your role as an SEMH Teaching Assistant
6. Support pupils 1:1 and in small groups across primary and secondary ages
7. Build strong, consistent relationships to help pupils feel safe and regulated
8. Support learning activities while prioritising emotional wellbeing and engagement
9. Use de-escalation strategies and positive behaviour approaches effectively
10. Help pupils develop social skills, emotional literacy and self-regulation
11. Work collaboratively with teachers, therapists and pastoral teams
12. Maintain clear boundaries, routines and expectations
13. Record observations and contribute to behaviour and support plans
This role is suited to candidates who have:
Essential experience:
14. Previous experience working with children or young people with SEMH needs, or
15. Strong classroom experience within alternative provision, PRU, SEN or mainstream settings with high behavioural needs
Highly desirable experience:
16. Supporting pupils with SEMH, ADHD, autism, attachment or trauma-related needs
17. Experience across both primary and secondary age ranges
18. Confidence managing challenging behaviour in a calm, consistent manner
19. Backgrounds in education, youth work, mental health or pastoral support
Key skills and qualities we're looking for
20. Calm, patient and emotionally resilient
21. Confident with behaviour management and de-escalation
22. Able to remain consistent and professional during challenging moments
23. Strong communication and relationship-building skills
24. Adaptable, proactive and team-focused
25. A genuine commitment to supporting vulnerable learners
Opportunities available
We have multiple opportunities to suit experienced SEMH practitioners, including:
26. Flexible part-time or full-time roles
27. Long-term, full-time placements for the right candidates
28. Consistent work within one setting rather than day-to-day supply
Why Join Tradewind?
At Tradewind, we don't just place candidates - we champion them. Here's what you can expect:
29. Your income matters: We'll always secure the best rate for your skills
30. Your development matters: 2,500+ FREE CPD courses via The National College
31. Your flexibility matters: Roles that fit your lifestyle and goals
32. Your wellbeing matters: Sunday Times Top 100 Employer four years running
33. Your values matter: We are an Equal Opportunities Employer and truly inclusive
If you're passionate about helping young people overcome barriers as a SEMH Teaching Assistant, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today or contact Tradewind Recruitment to find out more about joining our SEMH support team.
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