Job description
Job Title: SEMH Teaching Assistant
Location: North Yorkshire
Contract: Part time, Term Time Only
Start Date: September 2026 or sooner
Salary: £92 – £115 per day
Are you a resilient and empathetic individual with a passion for supporting young people who face social, emotional, and mental health challenges?
GSL Education are currently recruiting for an SEMH Teaching Assistant to work within a supportive secondary school setting in North Yorkshire. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is committed to helping young people overcome barriers to learning and develop the confidence, resilience, and skills needed to succeed both inside and outside the classroom.
As an SEMH Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with students who may experience social, emotional, and mental health difficulties, as well as those who present with challenging or complex behavioural needs. You will provide tailored support that promotes engagement, emotional wellbeing, and positive outcomes.
Core Responsibilities as an SEMH Teaching Assistant:
- Provide individual and small-group support to students with SEMH needs.
- Assist pupils who may display challenging, dysregulated, or complex behaviours, using positive and restorative approaches.
- Support students in managing emotions, developing coping strategies, and building self-confidence.
- Work alongside teachers to adapt learning activities and ensure students can access the curriculum effectively.
- Encourage positive relationships, communication skills, and social development.
- Implement behaviour support plans and targeted interventions as directed by the school.
- Monitor student progress, engagement, and wellbeing, providing feedback to relevant staff members.
- Help maintain a safe, structured, and nurturing learning environment.
- Promote attendance, participation, and a positive attitude towards education.
- Uphold safeguarding procedures and contribute to the welfare of all students.
SEMH Teaching Assistant Minimum Requirements:
- Experience working with children or young people with SEMH needs, behavioural challenges, SEND, or in a pastoral support role is desirable.
- Strong behaviour management and de-escalation skills.
- Ability to remain calm, patient, and professional in challenging situations.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities.
- A genuine passion for supporting vulnerable young people to achieve their potential.
- Strong teamwork skills and the ability to work collaboratively with teaching and pastoral staff.
- A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
- An Enhanced DBS registered on the Update Service (or willingness to apply for one).
Why Work with GSL Education?
- Competitive rates of pay and excellent opportunities for long-term employment.
- Flexible roles to suit your availability and career aspirations.
- Access to a variety of positions within mainstream and specialist educational settings.
- Dedicated support from experienced education consultants.
- Opportunities for professional development and further training.
- A rewarding role where you can positively impact the lives of young people every day.
If you are a committed SEMH Teaching Assistant looking for your next opportunity in North Yorkshire, we would love to hear from you.
GSL Education are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants will be subject to safer recruitment checks including an enhanced DBS check registered to the update service (or willingness to apply for one), satisfactory references, and verification of qualifications and right to work in the UK.
To apply to work with GSL Education as a SEMH Teaching Assistant in North Yorkshire, or to find out more, please contact Kerry Fowler at GSL Education and submit an up-to-date CV via the application link.