Job description
Job Title: SEMH Teaching Assistant
Location: Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Contract Type: Temporary, Supply, Part-Time, Full-Time
Start Date: September 2026
Salary Scale: £92 – £115 per day (Depending on experience)
Are you a resilient and empathetic Teaching Assistant with a passion for supporting young people facing social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs? Do you have the patience, consistency, and confidence to help students overcome barriers to learning and develop positive behaviours?
GSL Education Hull branch are currently recruiting dedicated SEMH Teaching Assistants to work across schools and specialist educational settings in Scarborough and the surrounding areas. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who wants to make a genuine difference to students who may require additional emotional, behavioural, and educational support.
As an SEMH Teaching Assistant, you will provide targeted one-to-one and small-group support, helping students manage challenges, engage with learning, and develop greater confidence and independence. You will work closely with teachers, pastoral teams, and other professionals to create a calm, structured, and supportive environment where students feel safe and encouraged to succeed.
Main Responsibilities as an SEMH Teaching Assistant:
- Provide tailored one-to-one and small-group support to students with SEMH and associated learning or behavioural needs.
- Build positive, trusting relationships with students while maintaining consistent boundaries and high expectations.
- Use appropriate behaviour support and de-escalation strategies to help students manage emotions and make positive choices.
- Encourage engagement with learning by helping students overcome emotional, behavioural, and social barriers.
- Monitor student wellbeing, behaviour, and progress, sharing relevant observations with teachers and pastoral staff.
- Contribute to a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment that promotes confidence, resilience, and independence.
SEMH Teaching Assistant Minimum Requirements:
- Previous experience supporting children or young people with SEMH, behavioural, pastoral, or additional learning needs is desirable.
- A good understanding of SEMH and the challenges that can affect students' behaviour, engagement, and learning.
- A calm, patient, resilient, and consistent approach when working with challenging or complex behaviours.
- Strong communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills.
- 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 placements paid fairly and consistently.
- Flexible working opportunities to suit your availability and career goals.
- Access to short-term, long-term, and permanent positions.
- Dedicated consultant support throughout your placement.
- Opportunities for ongoing professional development and specialist training.
- The chance to gain valuable experience supporting young people with diverse needs.
If you are a resilient and compassionate SEMH Teaching Assistant looking for your next opportunity in Scarborough, we would love to hear from you.
Please be advised that this role requires a strong knowledge and understanding of safeguarding and child protection and that successful applicants must satisfy all background safer recruitment checks including providing an enhanced DBS certificate registered on the update service or completing an application for a new check.
For more information or to register your interest in ‘SEMH Teaching Assistant’ role, or to be considered, please click ‘apply now’ to submit your full and up-to-date CV, and one of our dedicated consultants, will be in touch.
As an ethical, inclusive, and independent recruitment agency GSL Education are committed to providing quality teaching and support staff in schools throughout Scarborough.