Some children don’t need louder instructions. They need calmer support, stronger relationships, and someone who really gets what’s going on beneath the surface.
If that sounds like you, keep reading.
We’re working with a supportive primary school in Bristol with a specialist resource base, looking for an SEMH Teaching Assistant to support pupils who need help managing emotions, behaviour, and day-to-day school life.
This is a role where patience, consistency, and empathy go a long way.
What you’ll be walking into
This school has created a calm, structured environment where pupils feel safe and supported. There’s a real focus on:
* Building trust and positive relationships
* Supporting emotional regulation through clear routines
* Helping pupils re-engage with learning at their own pace
* Working as a team, sharing strategies and celebrating progress together
The resource base offers a quieter, more tailored space for pupils who need it, while still keeping them connected to the wider school community.
What your day might look like
* Supporting pupils 1:1 and in small groups with SEMH needs
* Helping children navigate emotions, routines, and transitions
* Working both in class and within the resource base
* Using de-escalation strategies and a calm, consistent approach
* Encouraging positive behaviour and building self-confidence
* Being that trusted adult pupils can rely on
No two days are the same, but that’s part of the magic.
What we’re looking for
* Experience supporting children with SEMH needs, in schools or similar settings
* A calm, resilient approach, you don’t take things personally
* Strong relationship-building skills, you know trust takes time
* Confidence managing behaviour in a positive, supportive way
* A genuine passion for helping children feel understood and valued
Thrive training would be a real bonus here.
If you haven’t got it yet, we’ll help you get trained, it makes a big difference in roles like this.
What you’ll get
* From £14.25 per hour, paid weekly via PAYE
* Full-time, consistent hours (8:30am – 3:30pm)
* Free CPD, including SEMH-focused training
* Ongoing support from a consultant who gets it
* A role where your impact is felt every single day
This isn’t always the easiest role. But it’s one of the most rewarding.
When a child who struggled to get through the day starts to trust you, regulate, and succeed, that’s everything.
If you’re ready for that kind of impact, we’d love to hear from you.
All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQs on the Protocol Education website for further 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.
Protocol Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with the 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 FREE online safeguarding and Prevent Duty training to all our workers. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and subscribe to the DBS Update Service.
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