Teaching Assistant (SEMH School)

Teaching Assistant (SEMH School)

Location: Blackburn, Lancashire (UK)

Start Date: September 2026

Contract: 12-Month Fixed-Term Contract (Full Academic Year)

Schedule: Full-time, 5 days a week (Monday to Friday, Term Time Only)

Pay: £92.89 - £115.89 per day

About Our School

Tradewind are looking for a specialised SEMH (Social, Emotional, and Mental Health) Teaching Assistant to work within an SEMH school in Blackburn dedicated to providing a safe, structured, and nurturing learning environment for pupils who face significant barriers to learning in mainstream education. Our team works hard to re-engage young people, build their self-esteem, and support their emotional and academic development.

Tradewind are currently seeking dedicated, resilient, and empathetic Teaching Assistants to join a close-knit team for the upcoming academic year on a stable, 12-month contract.

The Role & Responsibilities

In an SEMH setting, your day-to-day role goes far beyond standard academic support. You will act as a mentor, role model, and consistent figure in our students' daily routines.

1:1 & Small Group Mentoring: Support pupils with complex SEMH needs, trauma backgrounds, or associated conditions such as ADHD and Autism.

Behaviour Management: Implement positive behaviour strategies, utilising specialised de-escalation techniques to support students during periods of crisis.

Academic Assistance: Help pupils engage with personalisation plans and access the curriculum at a pace that works for them.

Collaborative Support: Work closely with class teachers, pastoral staff, and multi-agency professionals to ensure the wellbeing of every student.

About You

Working in an SEMH school is incredibly rewarding, but it requires a high level of personal resilience, patience, and emotional intelligence.

Requirements:

Resilience: The ability to remain calm, objective, and professional when faced with challenging or disruptive behaviour.

Commitment: Consistency is vital for our pupils. You must be able to commit to a full-time, Monday-to-Friday schedule for the full 12 months.

Background: Prior experience working with SEMH, SEND, or vulnerable youth (e.g., youth work, residential care, sports coaching, or mainstream SEN support) is highly advantageous.

Compliance: An enhanced DBS check registered on the Update Service is essential (or willingness to apply for one immediately).

What We Offer

Stability: A guaranteed 12-month contract spanning the full academic year.

Professional Development: Access to continuous professional development (CPD) and certified training in positive handling and de-escalation (e.g., Team Teach).

Supportive Culture: A welcoming team that values collaboration, peer support, and staff wellbeing.

How to Apply

If you have the passion, resilience, and dedication to make a real difference to vulnerable young people in Blackburn, we want to hear from you.

Please click and apply to submit your CV and a brief cover letter outlining why you are the perfect fit for our team c(url removed) or call (phone number removed)
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed