Teaching Assistant; SEMH Level 2

Teaching Assistant (SEMH) Level 2

Contract Type: Permanent
Pay Grade: Grade E
Full Time Salary: £25,583
Actual Salary: £18,713.79

Hours:

31.50 hours per week, 39 weeks per year
Starting: 1 September 2026

St James CE Primary School is a relationships‑led, two form entry primary school in the heart of Northampton. Part of the Peterborough Diocese Education Trust (PDET), we have a strong Christian ethos and a county‑wide commitment to children with SEMH needs through our specialist unit and outreach work. The unit (the PARC) is part of the local authority HARPS SEMH offer, providing two intakes per year (10 pupils per cohort) in a dedicated environment within our mainstream setting.

This role will be within our specialist nurture provision and is supported by our Assistant Headteacher (Behaviour and Inclusion) the PARC Nurture Lead and two Nurture HLTAs.

• Supports the Christian ethos and inclusive nature of St James and embeds our values with children, staff, governors, parents and the wider community.
• Excellent practitioner with relevant experience and/or qualifications to support children with additional SEMH needs.
• Understanding and experience of working with children with SEMH difficulties in mainstream or specialist settings, responding positively and with patience to challenges these children face.
• High expectations of children’s learning and ability to motivate children so they can flourish and achieve their potential.
• Reflective and continually seeks to improve practice.
• Builds strong relationships with children based on clear boundaries, empathy and fairness.
• Understanding of our community and passion for inclusion, building supportive relationships within a team for the benefit of the children.
• Energetic, smiles often, challenges positively and drives change for the benefit of all.
• Patience, resilience and a desire to make a difference.
• Starts each day afresh with positivity and enthusiasm.

• A supportive environment where contributions and ideas are encouraged, valued and supported.
• Happy and motivated children who are eager to learn.
• A collaborative and supportive school community underpinned by the Christian ethos, driven by a shared passion for children’s welfare and education.
• A rewarding working environment within a supportive and welcoming atmosphere.
• Access to a vast array of employee benefits and recognition systems via our brand‑new partnership with Vivup.
• Employment within one of the largest Multi‑Academy Trusts in the Peterborough Diocese, with wider development, training and career opportunities.

PDET, and all of our schools, are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff to share this commitment. All appointments will be subject to an enhanced DBS disclosure, and references will be sought prior to interview for all shortlisted candidates. We are an equal opportunities employer.