SEMH Learning Support Assistant

– Flexible Supply, Short-Term and Long-Term Opportunities

Location: Bristol and surrounding areas
Pay: £100–£115 per day, PAYE

Are you passionate about supporting children and young people with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs? Do you have the patience, resilience and enthusiasm to help pupils overcome barriers to learning and develop the confidence to succeed?

Connex Education is recruiting dedicated SEMH Learning Support Assistants to work across a range of specialist and alternative education settings in Bristol and the surrounding areas. We have opportunities for flexible day-to-day supply, short-term placements and long-term roles, offering the chance to make a genuine difference to pupils who need additional support to thrive in education.

As an SEMH Learning Support Assistant, you will work closely with teachers and pastoral teams to provide tailored support for pupils who may experience difficulties with emotional regulation, behaviour, anxiety, attachment or engagement with learning.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing one-to-one and small-group support to help pupils access learning and achieve their individual targets.
• Building positive, trusting relationships with pupils through a patient, consistent and trauma-informed approach.
• Supporting emotional regulation, positive behaviour and the development of social skills.
• Helping to create a safe, structured and inclusive learning environment.
• Encouraging pupils to develop independence, resilience and confidence.
• Working collaboratively with teaching staff and other professionals to meet pupils’ individual needs.
• Supporting pupils to re-engage with education and experience success both inside and outside the classroom.

We are looking for individuals who are committed to helping young people overcome challenges and reach their potential. Previous experience working with SEMH, SEND, challenging behaviour, youth work, care or similar environments would be beneficial.

You will ideally have:

• A calm, patient and resilient approach when responding to challenging or distressed behaviour.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• An understanding of the importance of consistency, boundaries and positive reinforcement.
• The ability to adapt your approach to meet individual needs.
• A genuine passion for supporting children and young people with additional needs.

Relevant experience is highly valued, and we welcome applications from candidates with transferable skills who are keen to develop a career in education.

• Competitive daily PAYE rates
• Flexible supply opportunities
• Weekly PAYE pay – no umbrella companies
• Free access to our SEND Toolkit and CPD training courses
• Funded formal qualifications, including Level 2 SEND, Level 3 Teaching & Learning, Level 4 HLTA and Level 5 TEFL
• Career progression opportunities through our specialist training pathways
• Wellbeing support and refresher training
• Dedicated specialist SEND consultant
• Ongoing support throughout your placement

If you are passionate about making a difference to the lives of young people and would like to explore SEMH Learning Support Assistant opportunities with Connex Education, we would love to hear from you.

Whether you already have experience supporting pupils with SEMH needs or are looking to transfer your existing skills into education, this is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact every day.

Connex Education Partnership is an equal opportunities employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants.

Connex Education Partnership is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and candidates to share this commitment. We adhere to Safer Recruitment practices in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE), Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023, and other relevant legislation. All appointments are subject to rigorous pre-employment checks, including references and an enhanced DBS check.