SEMH Teaching Assistant
Location: South Gloucestershire
Opportunities: Full-time | Part-time | Long-term | Flexible Supply
Age Range: Primary & Secondary
Make a real difference where it matters most!
We are recruiting experienced SEMH Teaching Assistants to work within a specialist alternative learning setting in South Gloucestershire, supporting children and young people who require a highly personalised, trauma-informed approach to education.
This provision supports pupils who have struggled to thrive in mainstream education due to social, emotional and mental health needs, often alongside additional needs such as ADHD, autism, attachment difficulties, anxiety and behavioural regulation challenges.
These roles are suited to practitioners who are confident, resilient and genuinely passionate about supporting vulnerable learners to re-engage with education.
The pupils you'll be supporting
Children and young people in this setting may:
Display challenging behaviour, emotional dysregulation or heightened anxiety
Have experienced trauma, disrupted education or exclusion
Struggle with trust, boundaries, self-esteem and emotional regulation
Require consistent routines, clear expectations and strong relationships
Work in small groups or 1:1, often outside of a traditional classroom modelProgress can be gradual - success is often seen in improved engagement, emotional regulation, attendance and confidence, rather than purely academic outcomes.
Your role as an SEMH Teaching Assistant
Support pupils 1:1 and in small groups across primary and secondary ages
Build strong, consistent relationships to help pupils feel safe and regulated
Support learning activities while prioritising emotional wellbeing and engagement
Use de-escalation strategies and positive behaviour approaches effectively
Help pupils develop social skills, emotional literacy and self-regulation
Work collaboratively with teachers, therapists and pastoral teams
Maintain clear boundaries, routines and expectations
Record observations and contribute to behaviour and support plans
This role is suited to candidates who have:
Essential experience:
Previous experience working with children or young people with SEMH needs, or
Strong classroom experience within alternative provision, PRU, SEN or mainstream settings with high behavioural needsHighly desirable experience:
Supporting pupils with SEMH, ADHD, autism, attachment or trauma-related needs
Experience across both primary and secondary age ranges
Confidence managing challenging behaviour in a calm, consistent manner
Backgrounds in education, youth work, mental health or pastoral supportKey skills and qualities we're looking for
Calm, patient and emotionally resilient
Confident with behaviour management and de-escalation
Able to remain consistent and professional during challenging moments
Strong communication and relationship-building skills
Adaptable, proactive and team-focused
A genuine commitment to supporting vulnerable learnersOpportunities available
We have multiple opportunities to suit experienced SEMH practitioners, including:
Flexible part-time or full-time roles
Long-term, full-time placements for the right candidates
Consistent work within one setting rather than day-to-day supplyWhy Join Tradewind?
At Tradewind, we don't just place candidates - we champion them. Here's what you can expect:
Your income matters: We'll always secure the best rate for your skills
Your development matters: 2,500+ FREE CPD courses via The National College
Your flexibility matters: Roles that fit your lifestyle and goals
Your wellbeing matters: Sunday Times Top 100 Employer four years running
Your values matter: We are an Equal Opportunities Employer and truly inclusiveIf you're passionate about helping young people overcome barriers as a SEMH Teaching Assistant, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today or contact Tradewind Recruitment to find out more about joining our SEMH support team.
#INDBRIS