Job Title:
Teaching Assistant (SEMH)
Pay Rate:
£107 per day
Location:
Newbury
Hours:
Full-Time (40 hours)
Fixed-term / Supply (with potential for ongoing work)
Smart Education is recruiting a Teaching Assistant to support children and young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs within an educational setting in Newbury. This role is suited to a resilient, compassionate professional with strong behaviour management skills and a trauma-informed approach.
You will play a key role in supporting pupils to regulate emotions, engage in learning, and develop positive behaviours through consistent, targeted interventions.


Benefits of Working as a Teaching Assistant:
• Make a meaningful impact supporting pupils with SEMH needs
• Deliver behaviour and pastoral support interventions
• Work within a supportive, multidisciplinary team
• Gain valuable experience in trauma-informed and therapeutic practice
• Ongoing support and guidance from Smart Education


Job Requirements:
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience working with children or young people with SEN, specifically SEMH
• Experience supporting Behaviour Support Plans (BSPs), IEPs, and risk assessments
• Knowledge of positive handling, de-escalation strategies, and trauma-informed approaches
• Counselling or therapeutic qualifications desirable
• High levels of resilience, patience, and emotional intelligence
• Ability to build strong, trusting relationships with vulnerable pupils
• Enhanced Child/Adult DBS on the Update Service
• Valid passport
• Ability to provide 24 months of employer and/or academic references


Role Responsibilities:
• Support individual education, behaviour, and support plans
• Provide 1:1 and small-group classroom and pastoral support
• Deliver targeted interventions to improve social skills, self-esteem, and communication
• Support pupils during social times, transitions, and off-site activities
• Work collaboratively with teachers, parents, and external agencies
• Accurately record behaviour, incidents, and attendance using school systems
• Promote emotional regulation, independence, and resilience


Working Conditions:
This role involves supporting pupils with challenging behaviour and working in high-pressure situations. Flexibility is required to support different areas of the school day, including breaktimes and off-site activities.


About Smart Education:
Smart Education is a specialist Education and Early Years recruitment agency, recruiting for both permanent and temporary roles including Teachers, Teaching Assistants, SEND professionals, Behaviour Specialists, Nursery Nurses, and Tutors. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All successful applicants will be required to undertake an Enhanced DBS check. It is an offence to apply for this role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity with children or vulnerable adults.