Job description
Job Title: SEMH Teaching Assistant
Location: Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Contract: Part-Time, Full Time, Term Time Only
Start Date: September 2026 or sooner
Salary: £92 – £115 per day
Are you a resilient, compassionate, and motivated individual looking to support young people with social, emotional, and mental health needs?
GSL Education are currently looking for committed SEMH Teaching Assistants to work in secondary and specialist educational settings across Scarborough and the surrounding areas. Whether you are looking for a long-term role, flexible supply work, or the opportunity to develop your career in specialist education, we can help you find a position that suits your experience and aspirations.
As an SEMH Teaching Assistant, you will provide tailored support to students with social, emotional, and mental health needs, helping them engage positively with learning and school life. You will also support pupils with complex behavioural needs, using effective behaviour management and de-escalation strategies to create a safe, structured, and nurturing learning environment.
Core Responsibilities as an SEMH Teaching Assistant:
- Provide one-to-one and small-group support for students with SEMH needs.
- Support pupils with complex behavioural needs using positive behaviour management techniques.
- Build trusting relationships that promote confidence, emotional wellbeing, and resilience.
- Assist teachers in delivering differentiated learning activities to meet individual needs.
- Encourage students to develop positive social skills, emotional regulation, and independence.
- Implement behaviour support plans and personalised intervention strategies.
- Monitor and record students' progress, behaviour, and wellbeing, providing feedback to teaching staff.
- Work collaboratively with teachers, pastoral teams, SEND professionals, and parents where appropriate.
- Help maintain a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment.
- Uphold safeguarding procedures and promote the welfare of all students.
SEMH Teaching Assistant Minimum Requirements:
- Previous experience working with children or young people with SEMH needs, SEND, or challenging behaviour is desirable.
- Confidence in supporting pupils with complex behavioural needs in an educational setting.
- Strong behaviour management and de-escalation skills.
- A calm, patient, and resilient approach when working in challenging situations.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a wider support team.
- A genuine passion for helping young people overcome barriers to learning.
- 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 daily rates of pay, with long-term opportunities available.
- Flexible working options to suit your availability and career goals.
- Access to short-term, long-term, and permanent positions.
- Dedicated consultant support throughout your placement.
- Opportunities to gain valuable experience within mainstream and specialist educational settings.
- Ongoing professional development and training opportunities.
If you are a dedicated SEMH Teaching Assistant looking for your next opportunity in Scarborough, we would be delighted 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, verification of qualifications, and right-to-work checks.
To apply or find out more about opportunities available through GSL Education, please submit your up-to-date CV via the application link or contact Kerry Fowler for further information.