SEMH Teaching Assistant
Location: York, North Yorkshire
Start Date: September 2025
Contract: Full-Time, Term Time Only
Salary: £85 – £105 per day
GSL Education is currently seeking a compassionate and resilient SEMH Teaching Assistant for a specialist setting in York, starting in September 2025. This is a full-time position supporting students with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs in a unique and supportive learning environment.
The School:
You’ll be joining a well-established alternative provision that caters to young people aged 5 to 16 who require additional support due to social, emotional, or mental health difficulties. With a strong focus on nurture, relationship-building, and trauma-informed approaches, the school offers a tailored curriculum to help pupils re-engage with education, build resilience, and develop the skills needed to succeed in life beyond the classroom.
SEMH Teaching Assistant Key Responsibilities:
Provide 1:1 and small group support to students with SEMH needs, helping them to engage positively with learning and build trusting relationships.
Assist with the implementation of EHCPs and behaviour support strategies.
Work closely with teaching and pastoral staff to maintain a calm, consistent, and structured classroom environment.
Promote emotional regulation, self-esteem, and appropriate social interactions through a patient and empathetic approach.
Support students both in and out of the classroom, adapting to their individual needs and triggers.
SEMH Teaching Assistant Ideal Candidate Requirements:
Previous experience working with children or young people with SEMH, autism, or behavioural needs (in education, care, or youth work settings).
Calm, nurturing, and resilient, with the ability to de-escalate challenging situations.
A genuine passion for supporting vulnerable young people and helping them reach their potential.
Team-oriented, flexible, and confident in managing behaviour in a non-confrontational, trauma-informed way.
Relevant qualifications (e.g. Team Teach, MAPA, CACHE, etc.) are desirable but not essential.
Why Join GSL Education?
Competitive daily pay paid fortnightly.
A dedicated consultant who understands the needs of SEN and alternative provision staff.
Access to ongoing CPD opportunities including Level 2 and Level 3 Teaching Assistant Certificates, Autism Awareness, Managing Challenging Behaviour and Team Teach.
The opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of young people.
If you are passionate about working with students who need a little extra support to thrive, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now via the application link or contact Kerry Fowler at GSL Education’s North Yorkshire office to find out more.
Please be advised that this role requires a strong knowledge and understanding of safeguarding and child protection and that successful applicants must satisfy all background safer recruitment checks including a relevant enhanced DBS