Job Description
Location: Blackley
Start Date: ASAP
Salary: £89–£100 per day
Contract Type: Full-time (8:30am–3:30pm)
New Directions are currently recruiting for an experienced SEMH Teaching Assistant to work within a specialist provision in Blackley, North Manchester. This setting supports Key Stage 3–4 pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs who are no longer in mainstream education but continue to work towards GCSEs and equivalent qualifications.
This is a full-time, long-term role with the potential to become permanent for the right candidate.
The School:
1. A specialist SEMH provision supporting pupils disengaged from mainstream education
2. Focuses on re-engagement, emotional regulation, and academic progress
3. Supports KS3–4 learners following personalised curricula including GCSE pathways
4. Strong behaviour support framework and trauma-informed approach
5. Supportive leadership team with a strong focus on staff wellbeing and development
The Role:
6. Provide 1:1 and small group support to KS3–4 pupils with SEMH needs
7. Support students with emotional regulation, behaviour management, and engagement in learning
8. Assist pupils working towards GCSEs, Functional Skills, and vocational qualifications
9. Implement behaviour support strategies and de-escalation techniques
10. Work closely with teachers, SENCOs, and pastoral staff to support individual learning plans
11. Build positive, trusting relationships with pupils who may present challenging behaviour
The Candidate:
12. Must have SEMH experience working with KS3–4 pupils
13. Experience supporting pupils who are no longer in mainstream education is essential
14. Confident managing challenging behaviour and using positive behaviour strategies
15. Patient, resilient, empathetic, and consistent in approach
16. Teaching Assistant qualification is desirable but not essential
17. Backgrounds in youth work, care, support work, psychology, or behaviour mentoring are welcomed
What New Directions Education Ltd offers:
18. A dedicated and expert Account Manager
19. Regular and varied supply work
20. Competitive rates of pay
21. Potential long-term teaching roles
22. Full compliance with the Agency Workers Regulation (AWR)
23. A network of branches across the UK
24. Preferred supplier to more than 20 boroughs across the UK
25. Recommend-a-friend scheme
26. 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, Manchester branch.
New Directions Education Ltd is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.