Location: Northwich
Pay: £90–£100 per day
Start Date: April 2026
Contract: Long-term supply with the potential to transition onto a permanent contract
Working Pattern: Term-time only
Make a difference. Change lives. Be the person they remember.
This is not just a job. This is a chance to change the course of a young person’s life.
Do you want to go home knowing that what you did today truly mattered? Do you want to be the calm, supportive adult that a child remembers for the rest of their life? If you are passionate about helping vulnerable young people grow, succeed and believe in themselves, this could be the role for you.
New Directions Education is proud to be working in partnership with a local alternative provision to deliver a bespoke, nurturing and highly supportive learning environment for children and young people aged 5–18. Students are referred through the local authority pathway and have Autism and/or Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.
Our students may have experienced trauma, disrupted education or complex home lives. What they need most is someone who believes in them, supports them, and never gives up. We are looking for SEMH Teaching Assistants who are ready to be that person.
About the Role
As a SEMH Teaching Assistant, you will play a vital role in helping students feel safe, understood and ready to learn. You will work closely with teachers and support staff to provide emotional guidance, academic encouragement and practical strategies that help young people succeed.
Your role will include:
– Supporting students academically, emotionally and socially
– Building strong, trusting relationships with young people
– Working with small class sizes (maximum of 10 students)
– Supporting the delivery of an individualised, tailored curriculum
– Helping students develop self-regulation strategies
– Using outdoor spaces, sensory areas and breakout rooms to support emotional wellbeing
Why Work in SEMH?
Be Impactful
Every day you will see the difference you make. Your patience, encouragement and care will help students develop confidence, resilience and hope for the future.
Smaller Class Sizes
With no more than 10 students per class, you will have the time and space to truly understand each learner and support them in a meaningful way.
Better Work–Life Balance
Time is built into your working day for planning, preparation and reflection. This means no taking work home and a healthier work-life balance.
Ongoing Training and Development
You will have access to regular training and professional development to help you grow your skills and confidence.
Adapted Learning Environments
Our provision is designed around the needs of our students. It offers a warm, welcoming and homely atmosphere where young people feel safe and supported. The environment is carefully adapted to support emotional regulation, engagement and independence.
We also offer custom learning areas for:
– Cooking – building independence and life skills
– Science – encouraging curiosity and problem-solving
– Art – providing a safe space for creativity and self-expression
Who We Are Looking For
We are seeking people who are kind, resilient and passionate about supporting vulnerable young people. You may already have experience as a Teaching Assistant, Support Worker or Care Worker, or you may bring strong transferable skills.
You will be:
– Confident and compassionate
– Patient and understanding
– Able to look beyond behaviour and see the child underneath
– Positive, proactive and resilient
– Someone with a sense of humour and a genuine desire to help others succeed
A Level 2 or 3 Childcare qualification is desirable, but not essential if you have relevant experience working with children or young people.
How to Apply
To apply, please click Apply Now and submit your up-to-date CV.
For an informal conversation about the role, please contact Emma at the New Directions Education Ellesmere Port office.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview (online or face-to-face) and must complete all necessary safeguarding checks.
Safeguarding Requirements:
– Two years of references
– Completion of a full application form
– Enhanced DBS check
All offers are subject to successful safeguarding clearance.
Why wait? Join New Directions and become part of something truly meaningful. Apply today and help shape brighter futures.
New Directions Education Ltd is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.
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