Are you a resilient, compassionate, and engaging individual looking for a full-time, long-term role where you can help young people build emotional resilience, overcome barriers to learning, and thrive?
We are currently partnering with an established specialist SEN school in Bury St Edmunds to recruit a dedicated Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) Teaching Assistant on a full-time, long-term basis.
In this vital role, you will support children and young people who face complex social, emotional, and mental health challenges, as well as associated neurodivergent profiles such as Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Working closely with class teachers, SENCOs, and therapeutic professionals, you will focus on building strong, trusting relationships, promoting emotional regulation, and helping pupils re-engage with education in a safe, nurture-focused setting.
Key Role Details:
- Position: SEMH Teaching Assistant
- Location: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk
- Contract: Full-Time, Long-Term Opportunity
Key Responsibilities:
- 1:1 & Group Engagement: Provide dedicated 1:1 and small-group support, using trauma-informed and nurture-based approaches to encourage pupil engagement across classroom and practical activities.
- Emotional & Behavioural Regulation: Support pupils through dysregulation using de-escalation techniques, quiet space intervention, active listening, and restorative practices.
- EHCP Target Support: Assist in delivering tailored learning interventions designed to meet key social, academic, and personal outcomes outlined in pupils' Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
- Positive Role Modelling: Act as a reliable, patient, and firm-but-fair mentor, helping young people develop positive social skills, self-esteem, and emotional resilience.
- Collaborative Working: Work alongside class teachers, pastoral leaders, and external therapists to track pupil progress and adapt support strategies as needed.
- Record Keeping: Maintain clear, objective records regarding pupil behaviour, emotional breakthroughs, and daily achievements.
Candidate Criteria & Requirements:
- Experience: Previous experience working with children or young people with SEMH, challenging behaviour, ASC, or neurodivergent needs in an educational, youth work, residential care, or sports/outdoor leadership environment.
- A Level 2 or Level 3 qualification in Supporting Teaching and Learning, Youth Work, Health & Social Care, or Psychology is highly desirable.
- Exceptional patience, emotional resilience, empathy, and strong interpersonal skills.
- Training in physical intervention/de-escalation (such as Team Teach, Safety-Net, or Price) is an advantage, though ongoing training will be provided.
- A valid Enhanced DBS check registered on the Update Service (or a willingness to complete one).
What The School Offers:
- Long-Term Stability: A consistent, long-term contract in a supportive specialist school with potential pathways to permanent employment.
- Competitive Daily Rates: Reflective of your experience, skills, and SEMH expertise.
- Specialist Training & Support: Access to ongoing professional development in trauma awareness, de-escalation, and restorative justice.
- Welcoming Staff Culture: Join a cohesive, passionate team that prioritises staff well-being and mutual support.
Ready to make a real difference in Bury St Edmunds?
Step into a deeply rewarding, long-term SEMH support role today.
How to Apply: Please forward your up-to-date CV and a brief cover note highlighting your experience to richard.wilkinson@randstad.co.uk or call 01223 368836 for a confidential chat about this opportunity in Bury St Edmunds.
We are strictly committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All candidates will be required to undergo comprehensive vetting, reference checks, and an enhanced DBS disclosure.
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