SEMH Teaching Assistant
• Type: Contract / Long-term / Supply (depending on availability)
• Location: Cardiff & surrounding areas
• Start date: ASAP
• Hours: Full-time (part-time considered)
• Pay: Competitive daily rate (dependent on experience)
Are you a patient, resilient, and empathetic individual with a passion for supporting young people who face social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) challenges?
Elementa Support Services is working in partnership with supportive and inclusive schools to recruit dedicated SEMH Teaching Assistants. This role offers a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of pupils who require additional emotional and behavioural support to access their education.
About the Role
As an SEMH Teaching Assistant, you will:
• Provide 1:1 and small group support for pupils with SEMH needs
• Build positive, trusting relationships with students to support their emotional wellbeing
• Assist in managing behaviour and promoting positive coping strategies
• Support students to engage with learning activities and remain on task
• Work closely with teachers, SENCOs, and pastoral teams to implement support plans
• Help create a safe, nurturing, and structured learning environment
About You
The ideal candidate will:
• Have experience working with children or young people with SEMH, behavioural needs, or additional learning needs (desirable but not essential)
• Be calm, patient, and resilient in challenging situations
• Have strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Be able to set clear boundaries while remaining supportive and understanding
• Be committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of children
• Be adaptable and willing to learn new strategies and approaches
What We Offer
• Competitive daily pay rates
• Flexible working opportunities to suit your availability
• Ongoing support from a dedicated consultant
• Access to training and professional development, including behaviour management and safeguarding
• Opportunity to gain valuable experience in a rewarding and impactful role
Recruitment & Safeguarding Information
All applications will be managed by Elementa Support Services as the recruitment partner for this client. Elementa is committed to safeguarding children in all processes, and all successful applicants will undergo a full pre-screen to assess their suitability for the role.
Any appointment will be subject to:
• A successful interview process
• Satisfactory references
• Safeguarding & Prevent training
• Education Workforce Council (EWC) registration in the appropriate categories
• Enhanced DBS Disclosure (which may be chargeable at £64.20 unless subscribed to the Update Service)
• Successful completion of a 12-week / 60 paid day employment trial period
ELEMENTA CANDIDATE COMMITMENT
• Weekly pay – no waiting for monthly payroll cut-off dates; Elementa pays one week in lieu
• PAYE contract – unless requested otherwise, providing full employment protections
• Training & Support – free or heavily discounted training including Safeguarding, Behaviour Management, Team Teach, SEND, Makaton, and Thrive
• Dedicated candidate manager providing regular welfare contact and ongoing support
• Fair pay policy – paid to scale; any variation agreed in writing prior to placement
• Additional staff support services – access to partner services including tax returns, accountancy, legal advice, and more
This Role Is Not Suitable For Applicants:
• Not currently based within the UK
• Requiring employer sponsorship for UK right to work
• Without UK secondary school teaching experience