Teaching Assistant​/SEMH Mentor

East of England/ permanent / £102.56 - 102.56 per day

Location: Ipswich, Suffolk (IP4)
Job Type: Permanent | Full-Time & Part-Time Opportunities
Start Date: ASAP
Salary: £13,017 – £22,562 per annum (actual term-time salary, depending on hours and experience)
Recruitment Agency: Teacher Active

Teacher Active is currently recruiting for TWO permanent Teaching Assistants to join a specialist primary SEMH school in Ipswich (IP4).

This specialist provision supports vulnerable primary-aged children with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), and challenging behaviour
.

Many pupils have struggled within mainstream education or are at risk of permanent exclusion. The school provides a supportive, structured environment where children can rebuild their confidence, develop positive relationships and re-engage with learning.

We are looking for patient, resilient and enthusiastic Teaching Assistants who are passionate about supporting children with additional needs and making a genuine difference to their lives.

Position 1 – Full-Time Teaching Assistant

Monday to Friday – 37 hours per week

Permanent, term-time only (39 weeks)

Position 2 – Part-Time Teaching Assistant

Monday to Wednesday – approximately 22.2 hours per week

Permanent, term-time only (39 weeks)

Both positions offer an immediate start, subject to the successful completion of safeguarding and compliance checks.

As a SEND/SEMH Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with teachers and support staff to provide a safe, positive and engaging learning environment.

Your responsibilities will include:

Providing 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with SEMH and additional learning needs.

Supporting children with challenging behaviour, emotional regulation and social difficulties
.

Using positive behaviour management and de-escalation strategies.

Building trusting relationships with vulnerable pupils who may have experienced difficulties in mainstream education.

Supporting the class teacher in delivering engaging, differentiated learning activities.

Following individual education plans (IEPs) and behaviour support plans.

Encouraging pupils to develop independence, resilience and confidence.

Helping children develop positive communication and social skills.

Working collaboratively with teachers, SENCOs and other education professionals.

Maintaining high safeguarding standards and promoting pupil wellbeing.

We are particularly interested in candidates who have:

Previous experience supporting children with SEMH, SEND, autism, ADHD or challenging behaviour
.

Experience working in primary schools, specialist SEND schools, alternative provisions or Pupil Referral Units (PRUs).

Strong behaviour management and de-escalation skills.

A calm, patient and understanding approach.

Confidence supporting pupils who may display dysregulated or challenging behaviour.

Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

A good understanding of safeguarding and child protection.

An Enhanced Child Workforce DBS registered on the Update Service would be advantageous
, although candidates requiring a new DBS are still encouraged to apply.

Permanent employment within a specialist primary SEMH setting.

Competitive term-time-only salaries.

Full-time and part-time working patterns available.

Opportunity to build meaningful relationships with pupils.

Valuable experience supporting children with complex SEMH and SEND needs.

Opportunities to develop your career within specialist education and behaviour support.

A rewarding role where you can make a genuine difference every day.

Teacher Active is an equal opportunities employer and operates as an employment agency and…