SEN Teaching Assistant (Social, Emotional & Mental Health Needs)

Location: Gainsborough, Lincolnshire Role Type: Full-Time | Long-Term Salary: £21,500 – £25,000 FTE Start Date: ASAP About the School This role is based at a specialist SEN school in Gainsborough, Lincolnshire , supporting pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs , often alongside additional learning difficulties or neurodiversity such as ADHD or autism. The school caters for pupils aged 7–16 who have struggled to thrive in mainstream settings due to emotional regulation difficulties, trauma, anxiety, or behavioural challenges. Many pupils have experienced disrupted education and require a highly consistent, therapeutic, and relational approach. The school focuses on building trust, emotional safety, and self-regulation , alongside academic and life skills development. Staff are trained in trauma-informed practice and positive behaviour support, and the school prioritises staff wellbeing and teamwork. The Role As a SEN Teaching Assistant (SEMH) , you will work closely with pupils who require significant emotional and behavioural support. You will help pupils regulate emotions, access learning, and develop coping strategies that enable them to engage positively with education. This is a demanding but highly rewarding role suited to individuals who are resilient, empathetic, and committed to supporting vulnerable young people. You will be a consistent and trusted adult, supporting pupils through moments of dysregulation and helping them re-engage with learning. Key Responsibilities Provide one-to-one and small group support for SEMH pupils Support emotional regulation and behaviour management Implement behaviour support and risk reduction plans Assist pupils with accessing learning activities Support literacy, numeracy, and vocational learning Use de-escalation and restorative approaches Support pupils during transitions and unstructured times Build strong, trusting relationships with pupils Record incidents, progress, and observations accurately Work collaboratively with teachers, therapists, and families Maintain high safeguarding and professional standards Person Specification The successful candidate will: Have experience supporting SEMH or challenging behaviour Be calm, resilient, and emotionally intelligent Understand trauma-informed and restorative practice Have strong communication and teamwork skills Be confident working with pupils with complex needs Hold a SEN or TA qualification (desirable) Be committed to safeguarding and inclusion Training and Support The school offers: SEMH and trauma-informed training Behaviour management and de-escalation training Ongoing mentoring and emotional support Clear progression routes within SEN education Safeguarding Statement The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Enhanced DBS clearance is required.