Are you passionate about supporting children with social, emotional, and mental‑health needs? Do you have the patience, resilience, and creativity to help pupils overcome barriers to learning? If so, we would love to hear from you.
About the Role
We are seeking a dedicated SEMH Teaching Assistant to join a nurturing and inclusive settings in East Leeds. This rewarding role involves working closely with pupils who require additional emotional and behavioural support to fully access the curriculum and thrive in their school environment.
You will work alongside class teachers, SENCOs, and wider pastoral teams to deliver personalised interventions, provide 1:1 support, and help create a positive, safe, and engaging learning atmosphere.
This position begins on a temporary basis, with the strong potential to become permanent for the right candidate.
Key Responsibilities
Provide 1:1 and small‑group support for pupils with SEMH needs
Build trusting, supportive relationships to promote confidence and emotional wellbeing
Assist in implementing behaviour‑regulation strategies and personalised support plans
Support teaching staff in creating an inclusive, structured environment
Encourage positive behaviour, resilience, and independence
Monitor and record pupil progress, behaviour, and engagement
Work collaboratively with teachers, SENCO, safeguarding leads, and external agencies
What We’re Looking For
Experience supporting children with SEMH, behavioural challenges, or additional needs
A calm, patient, and empathetic approach
Strong behaviour‑management skills and the ability to de‑escalate challenging situations
Ability to build rapport quickly and effectively
A team player with good communication skills
A genuine passion for helping pupils achieve their potential
Relevant training (Team Teach, MAPA, Thrive, etc.) is desirable but not essential
Enhanced DBS on the Update Service (or willingness to obtain one)
APPLY NOW!
What New Directions Education Ltd offers:
A dedicated and expert Account Manager
Regular and varied supply work
Competitive rates of pay
Potential long-term teaching roles
Full compliance with the Agency Workers Regulation (AWR)
A network of branches across the UK
Preferred supplier to more than 20 boroughs across the UK
Recommend-a-friend scheme
Respected reputation across the education and recruitment industry
New Directions Education Ltd is acting as an Employment
Business in relation
to this vacancy.