Job Description

School Type
SEMH & Alternative Provision

Age Range of Pupils
11 to 16 years

Location
Saltley, Birmingham – B8

Contract Type
Full-time, Monday to Friday (ONLY APPLY IF LOOKING FOR FULL TIME)
8:30am – 3:30pm
Term-time only
Long-term opportunity with the potential to become a permanent member of school staff following a successful placement and the required transfer period.

Pay
£92.52 – £102.83 per day
£462.60 – £514.15 per week
Weekly pay

Job Purpose

We are currently looking for a resilient and confident SEMH Teaching Assistant to support secondary-aged pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs, some of whom may display challenging behaviour.

This rewarding role involves working closely with pupils who require additional support to regulate emotions, develop positive relationships, engage with learning and make positive choices.

You do not necessarily need previous classroom experience. However, relevant previous experience supporting children, young people or individuals with additional needs or challenging behaviour is essential.

Candidates from care, support work, social work, youth work and other relevant backgrounds can bring highly transferable skills to this position.

Following a successful placement, there may be an opportunity to apply for a permanent role directly with the school, subject to the school’s recruitment process and required transfer period.

Key Responsibilities – Teaching & Learning Support

• Provide behaviour and learning support on a 1:1 and small-group basis
• Support pupils with emotional regulation strategies
• Assist with behaviour and intervention plans
• Encourage pupils to positively re-engage with learning
• Deliver appropriate individual support and interventions
• Support pupils following periods of dysregulation
• Establish clear, consistent professional boundaries
• Build positive relationships with pupils
• Promote positive behaviour choices
• Work alongside teachers, SEND staff and pastoral teams
• Help maintain a safe and structured environment

Person Requirements

Relevant previous experience is essential.

Suitable experience may include:

• SEMH or behaviour support
• Teaching Assistant work
• Care work
• Support work
• Youth work
• Social work
• Residential care
• Family support
• Children’s residential services
• SEND support
• Learning or behaviour mentoring
• Sports coaching involving young people with additional needs
• Other relevant work supporting children, young people or individuals with additional needs

Applicants should also have:

• Confident behaviour management skills
• Resilient and proactive approach
• Ability to remain calm under pressure
• Strong professional boundaries
• Excellent relationship-building skills
• Enhanced DBS on the Update Service (or willingness to obtain one)
• Two satisfactory references

Qualifications

No formal Teaching Assistant qualification required.

Relevant practical experience supporting children, young people or individuals with additional needs or challenging behaviour is essential.

What New Directions Education Ltd Offers

• Dedicated SEND consultant support
• Competitive weekly pay
• Consistent full-time opportunities
• Long-term roles offering stability and continuity
• Opportunity to apply for permanent school positions following a successful placement and required transfer period
• Ongoing support and development
• Opportunities to build valuable SEMH experience
• Recommend a friend and receive £150 once they complete 10 days of work
• Referral bonuses available to new and existing candidates
• Excellent reputation within education recruitment

New Directions Education Ltd is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.