SEMH Teaching Assistant

Alternative Provision | Great Yarmouth, Norfolk

Immediate Start Available Full-Time Agency Placement with Potential for Longer-Term Opportunities Competitive Daily Rate

Make a Difference Where It Matters Most

Educate East is working in partnership with a specialist Alternative Provision in Great Yarmouth seeking an experienced and resilient SEMH Specialist Teaching Assistant to join their team immediately.

This setting supports students who are currently unable to access mainstream education due to a range of social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs, behavioural challenges and complex personal circumstances. Many of the young people attending the provision are highly capable but require additional support, understanding and consistency to help them re-engage with learning.

This is a challenging yet incredibly rewarding environment where no two days are the same. The successful candidate will play a vital role in helping students build confidence, develop positive relationships and achieve success both inside and outside the classroom.

The Role

You will work closely with teaching staff and pastoral teams to support students on both a one-to-one and small group basis. Your focus will be on building positive relationships, encouraging engagement in learning and helping students regulate their emotions and behaviour throughout the school day.

Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting students with SEMH needs and challenging behaviour
• Building trusted, professional relationships with young people
• Assisting students to access learning and achieve personalised outcomes
• Implementing behaviour support strategies consistently and positively
• Promoting emotional wellbeing, resilience and self-confidence
• Supporting de-escalation and conflict resolution when required
• Working collaboratively with teachers, pastoral staff and external professionals
• Acting as a positive role model and mentor for students

About You

We are looking for someone who understands that behaviour is often a form of communication and who can remain calm, patient and supportive during difficult situations.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Previous experience supporting children or young people with SEMH needs
• Experience managing challenging behaviour in educational, youth work, care or similar settings
• Strong relationship-building skills
• Excellent resilience and emotional intelligence
• A calm, consistent and professional approach
• The ability to remain positive in a demanding environment
• A genuine passion for helping young people overcome barriers to education
• Availability to start immediately

Why This Role?

While this can be a demanding setting, it is also one of the most rewarding opportunities available within education.

You'll have the chance to:

✅ Help students rebuild their confidence and self-belief

✅ Support young people who may have had difficult experiences in mainstream education

✅ Make a genuine long-term impact on students' futures

✅ Be part of a dedicated and supportive team

✅ Gain valuable experience within specialist SEMH education

Interested?

If you're an experienced Teaching Assistant, SEMH Support Worker, Learning Mentor, Youth Worker, Behaviour Mentor or Care Professional looking for a role where you can make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today to join a dedicated Alternative Provision in Great Yarmouth and help transform outcomes for young people who need support the most. We also have a number of additional requirements across other specialist SEN or mainstream settings, so if you're looking for a role but perhaps not this one, get in touch and we'd love to help!

Educate East is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants will be subject to relevant pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.

Pay: £14.25-£16.50 per hour

Expected hours: 13.0 – 32.5 per week

Benefits:

• On-site parking

Work Location: In person