SEMH Teaching Assistant
Summary
Sense Education is hiring for a specialist setting in Whitehaven. This long-term SEMH Teaching Assistant role offers a meaningful way to support children and young people who have experienced significant adversity, helping them regulate their emotions, build trust, and re-engage with school life.
It’s a unique opportunity to apply therapeutic principles in a classroom context, working side-by-side with skilled educators to support pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. If you’re looking for a new way to make a difference — one where your calm, consistent presence truly matters — this role could be the perfect fit.
The Role
- Supporting pupils aged 11–16 who face challenges related to trauma, attachment, and emotional regulation
- Providing stability and relational safety for students with complex behaviour and SEMH needs
- Helping deliver personalised learning strategies and behaviour plans
- Encouraging self-regulation and emotional growth through compassionate, consistent support
- Working collaboratively with teachers, SEND staff, and pastoral teams to provide holistic care
- Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 3.30pm — no shifts, no lone working, and no weekend hours
The Ideal Person
- Minimum qualifications required: A recognised Teaching Assistant qualification or a background in education or care (NVQ, CACHE, Degree, or equivalent)
- A qualified therapist, counsellor, or trauma-informed professional
- Or someone from a youth work, care, social services or mental health background ready for a career change
- Knowledgeable about the effects of trauma on behaviour and learning
- Empathetic, patient, and skilled in de-escalation and restorative approaches
- A confident communicator and team player
The School
This is a mainstream secondary school with a deep commitment to SEMH support. Staff here recognise the impact of early trauma and work proactively to help pupils rebuild confidence and connection. The environment is structured but nurturing, with a strong multi-agency approach that values every team member’s contribution to student wellbeing.
Working Hours and Details
- Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 3.30pm
- Term time only
- Location - Whitehaven
- Role Type: Full Time / Part time
- Pay Rate: £14.60 - £16.90 per hour
The Benefits
- Competitive pay
- Term-time working only
- A chance to bring your therapeutic experience into education
- Long-term role with the potential to become permanent
Help young people feel safe, seen and supported.
Safeguarding children is an integral part of what we do and we have a stringent safer recruitment process. We undertake checks on all the candidates we work with. As such we require a current Enhanced DBS Disclosure for everyone working in Schools. If you do not have a subscription to the DBS Update Service, you may be required to complete a new DBS application as part of the registration process. If you take a temporary role with Sense Education you will be paid on a weekly basis. All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position but long term. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Temp to perm
Pay: £94.00-£110.00 per day
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Referral programme
Work Location: In person
