Teaching Assistant – SEMH Support
Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire
Salary: £13.75 per hour
Contract: Term time only
Hours: Full time
Start date: As soon as possible
Teaching Personnel are currently seeking a dedicated and empathetic Teaching Assistant to join a supportive Secondary School located in the Portsmouth area. This role is ideal for someone passionate about helping young people with social, emotional and mental health needs (SEMH) and those who may be struggling to engage in mainstream education.
You will be supporting pupils aged 11–16 on a one-to-one and small group basis, helping them access a personalised curriculum, regulate their behaviour, and build confidence in a nurturing environment.
Key responsibilities include:
Supporting pupils in both academic and emotional development
Assisting teachers in managing classroom behaviour
Helping create a safe, structured and inclusive learning environment
Building strong, trusting relationships with pupils
Working collaboratively with staff and external professionals
About the Setting
This is a specialist alternative provision working with young people who may be at risk of exclusion, have been excluded from a mainstream setting, require short-term intervention, or need longer-term educational support due to SEMH needs, communication and interaction difficulties, or other additional needs.
Classes are small, staff are highly trained in trauma-informed approaches, and the environment is designed to support the development of both academic skills and personal wellbeing.
What We’re Looking For
Experience working with children or young people with additional needs to include SEMH and SEND, preferrably within an educational setting
Calm, patient and resilient approach
Excellent interpersonal and de-escalation skills
Ability to support students with emotional regulation and positive behaviour
A desire to make a real difference in young lives
Role Details
Rate of pay: £13.75 per hour
Working hours: Full time (Mon–Fri)
Term time only (39 weeks per year)
Ongoing CPD and training opportunities provided via Teaching Personnel
All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.
All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.
Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.
We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.
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