SEMH Teaching Assistant – Dudley Location: Dudley, West Midlands Start Date: September 2025 (or earlier if available) Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs? We are currently recruiting a dedicated and resilient SEMH Teaching Assistant to work within a supportive and forward-thinking specialist school in Dudley. This is a rewarding opportunity for someone who thrives on helping young people overcome barriers to learning and emotional development. About the School This well-established specialist setting caters for pupils with SEMH needs, often alongside additional challenges such as ASD, ADHD, and trauma-related behaviours. The school offers a nurturing and highly structured environment, with small class sizes and a strong staff-to-student ratio. Key features of the school include * A trauma-informed and therapeutic approach to education * Strong leadership and a collaborative staff team * On-site counsellors, SENCOs, and behaviour specialists * Tailored curriculum designed to support emotional regulation and academic progress The school’s ethos centres around relationship-based practice, encouraging trust and consistency to build confidence and engagement in learners. What is SEMH? Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs refer to a wide range of difficulties that can affect a child’s ability to engage with education. This includes: * Persistent behavioural challenges * Anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions * Attachment disorders and trauma-related behaviours * Difficulty forming positive relationships or managing emotions Working as an SEMH TA means being a consistent, calm presence in a child’s life—someone they can trust, who helps them feel safe and understood. Responsibilities As an SEMH Teaching Assistant, your duties will include: * Supporting students with SEMH and behavioural needs in 1:1 and small group settings * Assisting in the planning and delivery of differentiated learning activities * Promoting emotional well-being and encouraging the development of social skills * De-escalating challenging behaviour using positive behaviour management techniques * Building strong, respectful relationships with pupils based on trust and consistency * Monitoring and recording pupil progress and feeding back to teachers and SENCOs * Working collaboratively with school staff and external professionals to ensure holistic support * Encouraging pupil engagement, self-esteem, and independence both in and out of the classroom Requirements To be considered for this role, you must have: * Previous experience working with children or young people with SEMH, behavioural needs, or SEN * A calm, nurturing, and empathetic approach to supporting children with complex needs * A good understanding of behaviour management strategies and emotional regulation techniques * Confidence in supporting children who may display verbal or physical aggression * Excellent communication and teamwork skills * A flexible and proactive attitude, able to adapt to different situations * A valid Enhanced DBS registered on the Update Service (or willingness to obtain one) * Relevant qualifications in Education, Youth Work, Psychology, or related fields (advantageous but not essential) Why Work with Us? As a specialist education recruitment agency, we offer: * Competitive daily rates and weekly pay * Free CPD and access to specialist training courses * A dedicated consultant who understands the complexities of SEMH settings * Opportunities to transition into permanent roles * Ongoing support throughout your placement How to Apply: If you are a committed, compassionate individual ready to make a lasting impact, we want to hear from you. Please do not hesitate to get into contact with us if you have any queries or questions on (phone number removed)