Job Description
Are you passionate about supporting children with social, emotional, and mental‑health needs? Do you have the patience, resilience, and creativity to help pupils overcome barriers to learning? If so, we would love to hear from you.
About the Role
We are seeking a dedicated SEMH Teaching Assistant to join a nurturing and inclusive settings in East Leeds. This rewarding role involves working closely with pupils who require additional emotional and behavioural support to fully access the curriculum and thrive in their school environment.
You will work alongside class teachers, SENCOs, and wider pastoral teams to deliver personalised interventions, provide 1:1 support, and help create a positive, safe, and engaging learning atmosphere.
This position begins on a temporary basis, with the strong potential to become permanent for the right candidate.
Key Responsibilities
1. Provide 1:1 and small‑group support for pupils with SEMH needs
2. Build trusting, supportive relationships to promote confidence and emotional wellbeing
3. Assist in implementing behaviour‑regulation strategies and personalised support plans
4. Support teaching staff in creating an inclusive, structured environment
5. Encourage positive behaviour, resilience, and independence
6. Monitor and record pupil progress, behaviour, and engagement
7. Work collaboratively with teachers, SENCO, safeguarding leads, and external agencies
What We’re Looking For
8. Experience supporting children with SEMH, behavioural challenges, or additional needs
9. A calm, patient, and empathetic approach
10. Strong behaviour‑management skills and the ability to de‑escalate challenging situations
11. Ability to build rapport quickly and effectively
12. A team player with good communication skills
13. A genuine passion for helping pupils achieve their potential
14. Relevant training (Team Teach, MAPA, Thrive, etc.) is desirable but not essential
15. Enhanced DBS on the Update Service (or willingness to obtain one)
APPLY NOW!
What New Directions Education Ltd offers:
16. A dedicated and expert Account Manager
17. Regular and varied supply work
18. Competitive rates of pay
19. Potential long-term teaching roles
20. Full compliance with the Agency Workers Regulation (AWR)
21. A network of branches across the UK
22. Preferred supplier to more than 20 boroughs across the UK
23. Recommend-a-friend scheme
24. Respected reputation across the education and recruitment industry
We are fully committed to the protection of children and vulnerable adults. All applicants must undertake a full enhanced DBS check.
Please select Apply Now to enquire about this job vacancy with New Directions Education Ltd, Leeds branch.
New Directions Education Ltd is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.