Register Now Job Search

Job description

Sports Learning Support Assistant – SEMH

Location: Southend-on-Sea, Essex
Salary Scale: £93–£120 per day (depending on experience)
Contract Type: Full-time

Are you passionate about sport and supporting young people with social, emotional and behavioural needs?

GSL Education are currently recruiting a motivated and resilient Sports Learning Support Assistant to work within a specialist Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) setting in Southend-on-Sea.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with a background in sport, coaching, fitness or youth work who wants to use their skills to make a meaningful difference to young people who may face barriers to education due to behavioural, social and emotional challenges.

As a Sports Learning Support Assistant, you will use physical activity, sport and positive relationship-building to engage students, promote teamwork and develop confidence, self-regulation and positive behaviours. You will work closely with teaching staff to provide structured support, manage challenging situations and create a safe and encouraging learning environment.

Key Responsibilities

  • Support the delivery of engaging PE lessons, sports activities, coaching sessions and practical learning opportunities.

  • Use sport and physical activity to encourage teamwork, communication, confidence and positive relationships.

  • Provide 1:1 and small-group support to students with SEMH needs and associated behavioural challenges.

  • Support students who may demonstrate challenging, dysregulated or disruptive behaviour, using positive behaviour management and de-escalation strategies.

  • Help students develop emotional regulation, resilience, self-esteem and social skills.

  • Build trusting relationships with young people who may struggle with engagement, attendance, boundaries or authority.

  • Maintain clear and consistent boundaries while promoting positive behaviour and student safety.

  • Work collaboratively with teachers and other professionals to provide consistent, individualised support.

Experience and Skills Required

We are looking for someone who is confident, patient and resilient, with the ability to engage young people and manage challenging situations.

The successful candidate will ideally have:

  • Experience working with children or young people with SEMH needs, behavioural difficulties or additional learning needs.

  • A background or genuine interest in sport, PE, fitness, coaching or physical activity.

  • Experience supporting young people with challenging behaviour, emotional dysregulation or difficulties with social interaction.

  • Confidence using positive behaviour management, de-escalation techniques and consistent boundaries.

  • Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to motivate and engage students who may be reluctant to participate.

Desirable qualifications and experience:

  • Team Teach training or certification.

  • Training or experience in physical intervention, positive handling or restrictive physical intervention involving children and young people.

  • Experience working within an SEMH school, Pupil Referral Unit (PRU), alternative provision, residential care or youth support setting.

  • Sports coaching qualifications, PE qualifications or experience delivering structured physical activities.

  • Experience supporting students with trauma-related behaviours, emotional regulation difficulties or complex needs.

Team Teach and relevant restraint/physical intervention training would be highly advantageous but are not essential. Candidates with the right attitude, relevant behavioural experience and a genuine passion for supporting young people are strongly encouraged to apply.

What We Offer

  • Competitive daily pay rates of £93–£120, depending on experience.

  • Access to our CPD training library, with over £8,000 worth of professional development courses.

  • Ongoing support from a dedicated GSL Education consultant.

  • Opportunities for continuous professional development and career progression.

  • The opportunity to combine your interest in sport with making a genuine difference to young people's lives.

What Happens Next?

  • Upon application, one of our dedicated consultants will contact you to discuss your experience, suitability and what you are looking for.

  • You will receive full support throughout the registration and compliance process, including the DBS application process where required.

  • We will create a tailored candidate profile highlighting your relevant experience, qualifications and strengths.

  • We will explore our network of specialist schools to help find the right opportunity for you.

Safeguarding

This role requires a strong knowledge and understanding of safeguarding and child protection. Successful applicants must satisfy all relevant safer recruitment checks, including providing an enhanced DBS certificate registered on the Update Service or completing an application for a new check.

Apply Job Alert