Job Description
Are you someone who enjoys building strong, meaningful relationships and being the steady, supportive presence a young person can rely on?
Do you want a role where your patience, empathy, and understanding truly make a difference every single day?
New Directions Education is looking for kind, committed, and resilient 1:1 Teaching Assistants to support learners with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs across a range of Pontefract‑based settings.
This is a deeply rewarding role where you’ll work 1:1 with a learner, helping them feel safe, understood, and supported so they can engage more positively with school life.
What makes this role special?
You’ll be that consistent adult who helps a young person navigate their school day — celebrating small wins, offering calm support during challenging moments, and helping them build confidence, trust, and emotional regulation skills.
Every day will be different, but the impact you have will be lasting.
We’d love to hear from you if you:
Are calm, patient, and compassionate, even when things feel challenging
Have experience or an interest in trauma‑informed practice and therapeutic behaviour support
Are Team‑Teach trained, or confident using positive behaviour management strategies
Feel confident supporting emotional regulation and behaviour
Truly believe in inclusion and giving every learner the chance to succeed
What your role will involve:
Providing dedicated 1:1 support tailored to the individual needs of a learner
Supporting emotional regulation and behaviour using positive, trauma‑informed approaches
Helping the pupil engage with learning and access the curriculum
Offering support during transitions, unstructured times, and throughout the school day
Building a strong, trusted relationship that helps the learner feel safe and supported
Working closely with teachers, SENCOs, and pastoral teams to ensure consistent support
Monitoring progress and contributing to support plans and pupil reviews
Why you’ll love this role:
Make a genuine difference in one young person’s life
See the impact of your support day by day
Gain valuable experience in SEMH and inclusive education
Work within supportive schools and teams across Pontefract
Feel proud of the role you play in a learner’s journey
If you’re reliable, caring, and motivated by helping young people overcome challenges, we would love to hear from you.
Apply today
All roles are subject to satisfactory references and an Enhanced DBS check.
What New Directions Education Ltd offers:
1. A dedicated and expert Account Manager
2. Regular and varied supply work
3. Competitive rates of pay
4. Potential long-term teaching roles
5. Full compliance with the Agency Workers Regulation (AWR)
6. A network of branches across the UK
7. Preferred supplier to more than 20 boroughs across the UK
8. Recommend-a-friend scheme
9. 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, Leeds branch.
New Directions Education Ltd is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.