Teaching Assistant - SEN/SEMH

Job Title: SEN & SEMH Teaching Assistant (Full-Time, Permanent)
Location: East and West Cornwall
Positions Available: Multiple

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) and Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs? Do you thrive in a role where every day is different and brings new challenges? If so, we want to hear from you!

About the Role

We are seeking dedicated and resilient SEN & SEMH Teaching Assistants to join our alternative provision schools across both East and West Cornwall. This is a full-time, permanent position supporting students with a variety of complex needs, including but not limited to:

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)

Speech, language, and communication difficulties

Attachment and trauma-related behaviours

Anxiety and school refusal

Social, emotional, and mental health difficulties (SEMH)

Working within an alternative provision setting, you will support students who may have struggled in mainstream education due to behavioural challenges, emotional dysregulation, or past trauma. Many of our students require a flexible, patient, and compassionate approach to help them rebuild confidence and re-engage with learning.

Key Responsibilities

Providing individualised support to students, either one-to-one or in small groups.

Assisting the class teacher in implementing differentiated learning strategies and behaviour management plans.

Managing challenging behaviours using de-escalation techniques and trauma-informed practices.

Supporting students in developing social skills, resilience, and coping strategies.

Encouraging engagement in education through a range of academic, vocational, and therapeutic activities.

Working closely with teachers, therapists, parents, and external professionals to ensure the best outcomes for each child.

What to Expect from the Role

Working in an alternative provision setting can be both challenging and incredibly rewarding. You may encounter students who:

Struggle with emotional regulation and display aggressive or avoidant behaviours.

Have low self-esteem and need encouragement to believe in their abilities.

Require structured routines and consistent support to feel safe and secure in the school environment.

Show significant progress with the right interventions, leading to increased confidence, engagement, and personal growth.

No two days are the same, and while the role can be demanding, the rewards of seeing students overcome barriers and achieve their potential make it incredibly fulfilling.

Who We Are Looking For

We welcome applications from individuals with experience in schools, childcare, youth work, or mental health settings. However, we also offer training for those who are new to the sector but have a genuine passion for working with children with SEN and SEMH needs.

Ideal Candidates Will Have:

Experience working with children with SEN, SEMH needs, or challenging behaviour (desirable but not essential).

A patient, empathetic, and resilient nature.

Strong communication and teamwork skills.

A willingness to learn and adapt to different challenges.

A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

What We Offer

A permanent, full-time position in a supportive school environment.

A chance to work in a dynamic, specialist setting where you can make a real impact.

Opportunities for career progression and professional development.

Training for candidates new to the sector.

A highly rewarding role where no two days are the same!

If you are ready to embark on a meaningful career supporting children with SEN and SEMH needs, we would love to hear from you. Apply today and be part of a team making a real difference in Cornwall!

To Apply: Please submit your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your interest and suitability for the role.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.

All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.

Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.

We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.

For details of our privacy policy, please visit the Teaching Personnel website