SEMH Teaching Assistant - Specialist Secondary School

Permanent full-time job recruited via Veritas (London, UK)
Job Reference SEMHTA_1794052812
Closing date December 7, 2026
Location Bradford, United Kingdom
Type Full-Time
Status Permanent
Contact Roscoe Price Moor
+64 273124286
rpricemoor@veritas-education.com

About this job

SEMH Teaching Assistant - Specialist Secondary School

Locations: Bradford CityWorking Hours: Monday - Friday, Term TimeSalary: £93 - £115 per day (dependent on experience)

Make a Difference Beyond the Classroom!

Veritas Education are currently recruiting passionate, resilient and dedicated SEMH Teaching Assistants to support pupils within a specialist secondary setting operating across Bradford.

Supporting young people aged 11-19 with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, these SEN schools provide a structured, nurturing and trauma-informed educational environment where pupils are encouraged to overcome barriers, rebuild confidence and achieve their potential.

We are looking for individuals who understand that behaviour is a form of communication and who can offer patience, consistency and encouragement to young people who may have experienced challenges that impact their education and emotional wellbeing.

Whether you have experience in specialist education, residential care, youth work or behavioural support, this is an opportunity to use your skills to make a genuine difference.

The Role - What Will You Be Doing?

As an SEMH Teaching Assistant, you will work alongside teaching and pastoral staff to provide tailored support to pupils throughout their school day.

Your responsibilities will include:

  • Providing 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs.

  • Supporting young people who may experience emotional dysregulation, anxiety, challenging behaviour and difficulties engaging with education.

  • Building positive, trusting relationships through consistent and supportive interactions.

  • Using trauma-informed approaches to understand pupils' individual experiences and behaviours.

  • Implementing positive behaviour strategies and appropriate de-escalation techniques.

  • Supporting pupils to develop emotional regulation, resilience and positive coping strategies.

  • Encouraging engagement with classroom activities and helping pupils overcome barriers to learning.

  • Supporting the development of social skills, communication and positive relationships with peers.

  • Promoting independence, self-esteem and preparation for adulthood.

  • Working collaboratively with teachers, pastoral teams and wider professionals to provide consistent support.

  • What Are We Looking For?

    We are particularly interested in candidates who have:

  • Previous experience supporting young people with SEMH needs.

  • Experience working with challenging behaviour and emotional dysregulation.

  • An understanding of trauma-informed practice and the impact of adverse childhood experiences.

  • Confidence using positive behaviour management and de-escalation strategies.

  • The ability to remain calm, patient and consistent in challenging situations.

  • Strong relationship-building and communication skills.

  • A genuine passion for supporting young people who may have struggled within mainstream education.

  • Relevant experience could include:

  • Specialist SEMH or alternative provision schools.

  • Residential children's homes.

  • Youth work and mentoring.

  • Behaviour support and pastoral roles.

  • Mental health and emotional wellbeing support.

  • Community support work.

  • Why Choose Veritas Education:

  • Market leading Education Recruitment company covering the West Yorkshire area.
  • Over 80 different CPD online training courses available to all our supply, long term and permanent staff members.
  • A range of different work avenues across SEN, Primary, Secondary and Early Years.
  • An experienced consultant available at all times to help with any queries, questions or support in your next career steps!
  • For further information, please contact

    Hannah Gartshore - hgartshore@veritas-education.com

    APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR VERITAS EDUCATION

  • All applications are subject to an Enhanced DBS Disclosure, professional reference checks, Overseas Police Clearances (if applicable) in line with our stringent safeguarding policy
  • Your CV must cover the last 10 years of employment history where possible and all employment breaks must be explained
  • You must have legal right to work in the UK
  • You must be willing to attend a registration interview
  • Veritas Education work with a variety of schools covering a wide geographical area. We deal with teaching placements at Primary, Secondary and college level as well as support staff positions also within these.

    Disclaimer

    'Nothing within the above advert was in any way designed or intended to discriminate on the grounds of age, gender, race, colour, religion, disability or sexual orientation. Veritas Education is an Equal opportunities employer and is proud in the knowledge that all placements are made on merit and suitability. We accept applications from all sections of the community.'