Job description

Job Title: SEMH Teaching Assistant

Location: Sheffield

Salary: £460 – £600 per week (depending on experience and qualifications)

Contract Type: Long-term / Temporary, Full-time / Part-time

Start Date: Immediately

Are you patient, resilient and passionate about helping young people overcome barriers to learning? A supportive school in Sheffield is seeking a dedicated SEMH Teaching Assistant to provide consistent classroom and pastoral support to pupils who need it most.

About the Role:

As an SEMH Teaching Assistant, you will provide tailored support to pupils who may experience social, emotional and mental health needs. You will work alongside teachers and pastoral staff to encourage positive behaviour, manage challenges calmly and help pupils engage with their learning. The role offers the opportunity to build trusted relationships while helping pupils develop greater confidence and independence.

About the School:

This inclusive school is committed to creating a safe and supportive environment where pupils feel encouraged to participate and make progress. Staff work collaboratively to provide consistent pastoral and learning support, with a strong focus on positive behaviour, wellbeing and individual needs.

Responsibilities:

  • Provide one-to-one and small-group support to pupils with SEMH needs.

  • Assist pupils with emotional regulation and positive behaviour.

  • Work alongside teachers to support learning and classroom engagement.

  • Build positive, professional relationships with pupils.

  • Encourage pupils to develop confidence, resilience and independence.

  • Help maintain a calm, structured and supportive classroom environment.

  • Respond appropriately to challenging situations and follow agreed support strategies.

  • Share relevant observations and progress with teachers and pastoral staff.

Requirements:

  • Previous experience supporting children or young people with SEMH needs is desirable.

  • Experience in education, youth work, care or a similar setting is advantageous.

  • A patient, empathetic and consistent approach.

  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

  • Confidence supporting pupils who may display challenging behaviour.

  • Ability to remain calm and professional in difficult situations.

  • A genuine commitment to helping young people overcome barriers to learning.

To work with GSL Education as a SEMH Teaching Assistant, you should:

  • Have the right to work in the UK.

  • Have an up-to-date CV with two relevant references from within the last two years.

  • Have an enhanced DBS registered to the Update Service or be willing to apply for one through GSL Education.

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.

We also offer, via our partner, access to accredited Education-relevant CPD courses.

In addition to that, GSL Education are currently offering £100 for the successful referral of either Teachers or Teaching Assistants (Ts &Cs apply).

If you are ready to make a positive difference and are interested in this opportunity, submit your CV today.

To apply for this SEMH Teaching Assistant role, please submit your full and up-to-date CV today.

As an ethical, inclusive, and independent recruitment agency GSL Education are committed to providing quality teaching and support staff in schools throughout South Yorkshire.

For more information or to register your interest in this role, or to be considered, please click 'apply now' to submit your full and up-to-date CV. Tom Knight at GSL Education South Yorkshire will be in touch shortly.