Job description
Job Title: SEMH Teaching Assistant
Location: York, North Yorkshire
Contract: Full Time, Term Time Only
Start Date: June 2026
Salary: £92 – £115 per day
Support children and young people with social, emotional, and mental health needs in a structured and nurturing educational environment!
GSL Education are currently recruiting for a compassionate and resilient Social, Emotional, and Mental Health Needs Teaching Assistant (SEMH TA) to support students at a specialist provision in York.
This is a rewarding opportunity to work with pupils who require additional emotional and behavioural support, helping them build confidence, improve engagement with learning, and develop positive relationships within school.
About the school:
The school is a specialist provision supporting students with SEMH needs, behavioural challenges, communication difficulties, and other barriers to mainstream education. It provides a safe, structured, and supportive environment where pupils are encouraged to develop socially, emotionally, and academically.
Staff work collaboratively to deliver consistent support, using clear behaviour strategies and therapeutic approaches to help students manage emotions, build resilience, and improve engagement.
About the role:
As an SEMH Teaching Assistant, you will provide 1:1 and small group support to help students access learning, manage behaviour positively, and develop social and emotional skills, while working closely with teachers, pastoral staff, and support teams to ensure consistent support throughout the school day.
Key responsibilities of an SEMH Teaching Assistant:
* Provide tailored support for pupils with SEMH and additional needs
* Support students in managing emotions and behaviour positively
* Assist with classroom learning and engagement activities
* Build positive and trusting relationships with pupils
* Promote a calm, safe, and inclusive learning environment
* Work collaboratively with teaching, pastoral, and SEN staff
As the Ideal SEMH Teaching Assistant, you should have:
* Experience working with children or young people with SEMH or behavioural needs
* Strong communication and behaviour management skills
* A calm, patient, and resilient approach
* Ability to build positive relationships and maintain professional boundaries
* Commitment to safeguarding and inclusive education practices
To work with GSL Education, you must:
* Have the right to work in the UK
* Provide an up-to-date CV with relevant reference information covering the last 2 years (University placements can be accepted)
* Have relevant experience working with children, young people or adults with social, emotional and mental health needs
* Have an Enhanced DBS on the Update Service or be willing to apply for one
If you are a dedicated SEMH Teaching Assistant looking to make a meaningful difference in York, we welcome your application.
GSL Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants will be subject to safer recruitment checks including an enhanced DBS check registered to the update service (or willingness to apply for one), satisfactory references, and verification of qualifications and right to work in the UK.
To apply to work with GSL Education as an SEMH Teaching Assistant in York, or to find out more, please contact Kerry Fowler at GSL Education and submit an up-to-date CV via the application link.