Teaching Assistant

SEMH Teaching Assistant / Learning Support Assistant Location: ChichesterHours: Monday–Friday, 8:30am–3:10pmContract: Full-time, term-timeRole: Teaching Assistant / Learning Support Assistant / SEN Teaching AssistantDaily Rate: Competitive, dependent on experience Are you an experienced Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant or SEN Teaching Assistant looking for a rewarding role supporting young people with Special Educational Needs (SEND) and Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs? We are working with a specialist SEMH school in the Chichester area, supporting boys aged 7–16 who may have struggled within mainstream education. The school provides a small, supportive and highly personalised learning environment for pupils with a range of needs, including SEMH, challenging behaviour, Autism, ADHD, attachment difficulties, anxiety and speech and language difficulties. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who wants to make a genuine difference while developing their experience in SEND, SEMH, behaviour support and specialist education. About the SEMH Teaching Assistant Role As a Teaching Assistant / Learning Support Assistant, you will work closely with teachers and the wider school team to support pupils both academically and emotionally. You will help pupils to access their education while developing their confidence, independence, emotional regulation and social skills. Your responsibilities will include: Supporting pupils to access classroom learning Providing 1:1 and small-group support Supporting pupils with SEMH and SEND needs Building positive and trusting relationships with young people Supporting pupils with challenging behaviour and emotional regulation Helping pupils develop confidence, resilience and independence Encouraging positive behaviour and behaviour for learning Supporting pupils who may become dysregulated, anxious or disengaged Helping pupils communicate their needs and make positive choices Working alongside teachers to provide personalised learning support Supporting pupils with social and communication development Encouraging pupils to participate in lessons and activities Helping pupils recognise their strengths and celebrate their achievements Supporting pupils to develop skills for education, employment and adulthood About the Pupils The school supports young people with a range of Special Educational Needs and SEMH needs, including: Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) Autism / ASC ADHD Challenging behaviour Attachment difficulties Anxiety Speech and language difficulties Communication difficulties Behavioural and emotional needs Many pupils have experienced difficulties within mainstream education, so they need staff who can provide consistency, clear boundaries, patience and positive relationships. Experience working with challenging behaviour, SEMH, SEND, Autism, ADHD, trauma, attachment or communication difficulties would be a real advantage. However, previous specialist school or Alternative Provision experience isn’t essential. The right attitude, resilience and ability to build relationships are incredibly important. What We’re Looking For We’re looking for a Teaching Assistant / SEN TA / Learning Support Assistant who is: Caring, patient and compassionate Calm and consistent Passionate about supporting young people Confident building positive relationships Resilient when faced with challenging behaviour Able to remain calm and professional during difficult situations Positive, encouraging and proactive Comfortable setting clear and consistent boundaries Able to look beyond behaviour and understand the individual Adaptable and willing to think creatively Comfortable working as part of a close-knit team Reliable and committed Interested in developing their SEND and SEMH experience Experience with SEMH, SEND, challenging behaviour, Autism, ADHD, youth work, mentoring, care or residential support is desirable but not essential. We would also consider candidates from backgrounds including: Teaching Assistant SEN Teaching Assistant Learning Support Assistant Behaviour Mentor SEMH Support Worker Youth Worker Residential Support Worker Care Worker Sports Coach Mentor Family Support Worker If you have experience building positive relationships with young people and supporting them through challenges, your experience could be highly transferable. Personalised Learning This is not a traditional mainstream classroom environment. Pupils are taught in small, needs-led groups, allowing learning and support to be personalised around individual needs, abilities and learning styles. The school also focuses on developing pupils’ confidence, independence, life skills and preparation for adulthood, with opportunities for learning beyond the classroom. For older pupils, this can include vocational learning, college opportunities, work-related skills and experiences within the local community. As a member of the support team, you’ll therefore have the opportunity to make a difference not only to a young person’s education, but also to their confidence, behaviour, independence and future prospects. Why This SEMH Teaching Assistant Role? This is a fantastic opportunity for a Teaching Assistant, SEN TA, Learning Support Assistant or Behaviour Mentor who wants to work somewhere where relationships genuinely matter. You’ll have the opportunity to get to know your pupils, understand their individual needs and help them overcome barriers that may have previously prevented them from engaging with education. If you’re patient, resilient, consistent and passionate about helping young people succeed, we’d love to hear from you. Best Fit, Every Time. How to Apply If you’re interested in this SEMH Teaching Assistant / SEN Teaching Assistant / Learning Support Assistant opportunity, please get in touch with Pink Tile Education to register and discuss the role further. The advertised daily rate is inclusive of 12.07% PAYE holiday pay. We work closely with our schools and candidates to ensure Best Fit, Every Time. All candidates are subject to our usual safeguarding and compliance checks, including an enhanced DBS check and references.