Teaching Assistant – SEMH School: Specialist SEMH Primary School, Andover Start Date: As soon as possible Contract: Full-time Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience We are seeking a caring, patient and resilient Teaching Assistant to join a specialist primary SEMH school in Andover, supporting children with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs and associated challenging behaviour. This is a rewarding opportunity to work with younger pupils who require a nurturing, consistent and structured approach to learning and development. This role is ideal for someone with a genuine interest in supporting children with additional needs and helping them build confidence, emotional regulation and positive relationships at an early stage in their education. The Role As a Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with teachers and the wider pastoral team to support pupils across the primary age range. You will play a key role in creating a calm, predictable and supportive environment that enables children to feel safe, engaged and ready to learn. Pupils you support may present with: Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs Challenging behaviour linked to emotional regulation difficulties Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) ADHD Trauma, attachment needs and anxiety Delays in learning and low engagement with education Your responsibilities will include: Supporting pupils on a one-to-one basis and in small groups Assisting with the delivery of structured and engaging learning activities Supporting behaviour regulation using positive and restorative approaches Helping children develop social, emotional and communication skills Promoting positive behaviour and routines throughout the school day Working collaboratively with teachers, SEN staff and external professionals About the School The school is a specialist primary SEMH provision in Andover, offering an alternative to mainstream education for children who need additional emotional and behavioural support. The school is committed to: Emotional wellbeing and early intervention Positive behaviour support and consistent routines Building strong, trusting relationships Personalised learning approaches Supporting children to successfully transition to the next stage of their education The school provides a nurturing yet structured setting, with a strong emphasis on teamwork, staff wellbeing and professional development. The Ideal Candidate Will: Have experience working with children (SEN and/or SEMH experience highly desirable) Be calm, patient and emotionally resilient Have confidence in supporting behaviour in a positive and consistent manner Be flexible, adaptable and proactive Build strong, supportive relationships with young children Have a clear understanding of safeguarding and child protection We Offer: A supportive and welcoming staff team Ongoing training and development, including SEMH and SEN support strategies A fulfilling role where you can make a lasting difference to children’s lives This post is subject to enhanced safeguarding checks, including an Enhanced DBS and satisfactory references. If you are looking for a meaningful Teaching Assistant role supporting primary-aged children within a specialist SEMH setting, we would be pleased to receive your application. 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. For details of our privacy policy, please visit the Teaching Personnel website.