SEMH Teaching Assistant – Secondary School

Job Role: SEMH Teaching Assistant
Location: Dorset
Contract: Ongoing, Full-Time
Start Date: September 2026
Salary: £95–£100 per day

The School & Role

Are you an experienced SEMH Teaching Assistant with a background supporting children and young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, challenging behaviour, Autism (ASC) or additional learning needs? Are you looking for a rewarding opportunity within a secondary SEMH or Alternative Provision setting in Dorset?

Balfor Recruitment is currently recruiting for a SEMH Teaching Assistant to join a specialist secondary school in Dorset from September 2026. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Teaching Assistant, SEN Teaching Assistant, SEMH TA or PRU Teaching Assistant looking to make a genuine difference to the lives of young people.

As an SEMH Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with teachers, pastoral staff and the wider support team to provide one-to-one and small-group support for pupils with a range of SEMH and behavioural needs. You will help students to access their education, regulate their emotions, develop positive behaviours, improve their social skills and build confidence and independence.

The school is a specialist provision supporting students in Years 7–11 with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs and Autism (ASC). The school provides a safe, structured and nurturing learning environment where pupils are encouraged to overcome barriers to learning and achieve their full potential.

Key Responsibilities

As an SEMH Teaching Assistant, your responsibilities will include:

• Providing 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with SEMH needs, challenging behaviour and additional learning needs.
• Supporting students to manage their emotions, develop resilience and build positive social and communication skills.
• Working alongside the class teacher to adapt lessons, learning activities and resources to meet individual needs.
• Supporting the implementation of Individual Education Plans (IEPs), Behaviour Support Plans (BSPs) and risk assessments.
• Encouraging positive behaviour and helping to maintain a calm, safe and supportive classroom environment.
• Acting as a trusted key adult for identified pupils and building positive, professional relationships.
• Providing consistent emotional and pastoral support to students experiencing barriers to learning.
• Monitoring and recording pupil progress and providing feedback to teachers and relevant professionals.
• Supporting pupils with challenging behaviour using appropriate behaviour management and de-escalation strategies.
• Following school safeguarding, behaviour and health and safety policies at all times.
• Working collaboratively with teachers, pastoral teams, families and external professionals to ensure pupils receive appropriate support.

Requirements

The successful SEMH Teaching Assistant will ideally have:

• Previous experience working as an SEMH Teaching Assistant, SEN Teaching Assistant, Behaviour Support Assistant, PRU Teaching Assistant or in an Alternative Provision setting – Essential.
• Experience supporting pupils with SEMH, challenging behaviour, Autism (ASC) or additional educational needs.
• A Level 2 or Level 3 Award in Supporting Teaching and Learning, or an equivalent qualification, is desirable.
• A degree in Psychology, Education or a related subject would be advantageous.
• A nurturing, patient and empathetic approach to supporting young people.
• Strong behaviour management skills and the ability to remain calm and consistent in challenging situations.
• Resilience and adaptability when working with pupils with complex or varied needs.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills when working with pupils, teachers, parents/carers and external professionals.
• A genuine passion for supporting young people to overcome barriers and succeed in education.

What You’ll Get in Return

• Competitive daily rate of £95–£100 per day.
• Full-time, ongoing work from September 2026.
• The opportunity to gain valuable experience within a specialist SEMH secondary school.
• The chance to develop your experience in SEN, SEMH, Alternative Provision and behaviour support.
• Support from an experienced education recruitment consultant throughout your placement.
• Access to future education and teaching support opportunities through Balfor Recruitment.
• The opportunity to make a meaningful difference to the education, wellbeing and development of young people.

How to Apply

If you are an experienced SEMH Teaching Assistant looking for your next opportunity in Dorset, we would love to hear from you.

Click “Apply Now” to submit your CV or contact James at Balfor Recruitment on 0121 260 0000 for a confidential discussion about this SEMH Teaching Assistant opportunity.

You can also email your CV to james@balfor.co.uk.

About Balfor Recruitment

Balfor Recruitment is an award-winning recruitment agency providing temporary, contract and permanent staffing solutions across the public, private and non-profit sectors.

With over 20 years of recruitment experience, we specialise in supplying education professionals including:

• SEN Teachers and Teaching Assistants
• SEMH Teachers and Teaching Assistants
• Primary and Secondary Teachers
• Learning Support Assistants and Support Staff
• Nursery Nurses and Assistants
• FE Lecturers
• Note Takers and Academic Support Workers
• BSL Signers and Dyslexia Tutors

We are REC members and are committed to providing compliant and professional recruitment services. Candidate pay rates align with AWR, meaning qualified supply teachers may be paid in line with the appropriate pay scale.

Balfor Recruitment is acting as a recruitment agency in relation to this vacancy.

We are committed to Safer Recruitment and all appointments are subject to appropriate vetting, including an enhanced DBS check where required.

Balfor Recruitment is an Equal Opportunities Employer.