Pupil Support Assistant

SEMH Teaching Assistant – Audenshaw & Hyde

ASAP Start | Temporary / Temp-to-Permanent

Are you passionate about helping children and young people succeed and looking for a role where you can make a real difference?

We are recruiting dedicated and compassionate Teaching Assistants for two specialist opportunities supporting pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs in Audenshaw (Primary) and Hyde (Secondary). Both positions are available for immediate starts, with temporary contracts and the potential to become permanent for the right candidates.

We welcome applicants with previous school experience, particularly those who have supported pupils with SEN, SEMH needs or behaviours that challenge. However, previous experience in education is not essential. Candidates with transferable skills from residential care, mental health services, youth work, mentoring, sports coaching, support work or similar roles involving vulnerable children and young people are encouraged to apply.

The Role

You will work closely with pupils to provide tailored one-to-one and small-group support, helping them engage with learning and develop their confidence, independence and emotional regulation. You will also play an important role in encouraging positive behaviour, building trusting relationships and maintaining a calm, structured and nurturing classroom environment.

The ideal candidate will be patient, resilient and approachable, with the ability to understand pupils' individual needs and respond appropriately to emotional or behavioural difficulties. You should be confident remaining calm in challenging situations and working collaboratively with teachers and the wider school team.

Key Responsibilities

• Support pupils with SEMH needs and additional learning requirements.
• Provide individual and small-group support tailored to pupils' needs.
• Encourage participation in lessons and classroom activities.
• Promote positive behaviour and support emotional regulation.
• Develop consistent, trusting relationships with pupils.
• Work alongside teachers and pastoral staff to provide effective support.
• Help pupils build confidence, independence and social skills.
• Maintain a calm, safe and supportive environment throughout the school day.

About You

• Previous school-based experience is desirable but not essential.
• Experience working with children or young people is advantageous.
• Transferable experience in residential care, mental health, youth work, mentoring or support work will be considered.
• Patient, compassionate and resilient, with a positive approach.
• Confident supporting pupils who display behaviours that challenge.
• Able to establish positive relationships and appropriate boundaries.
• Reliable, adaptable and committed to helping pupils make progress.

Why Apply?

These opportunities are ideal for experienced Teaching Assistants looking for their next role, as well as candidates hoping to move into education from a relevant care, support or youth-focused background.

With immediate starts available, this is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable experience in specialist education and help young people overcome barriers to learning.

If you are passionate about supporting pupils with SEMH needs and are available to start ASAP, we would love to hear from you!