Job Description

Specialist SEMH Teaching Assistant - Blackpool Secondary School

Full-Time Role | Long-Term Contract | Immediate Start Available

Start Date: Monday 3rd November 2025 (or sooner!)

Are you a highly empathetic, resilient, and skilled Teaching Assistant ready to specialise in supporting pupils with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs?

A welcoming secondary school in Blackpool is seeking a dedicated SEMH Teaching Assistant to join their inclusion team. This is a crucial, full-time role dedicated to helping vulnerable students overcome barriers to learning, manage challenging behaviour, and thrive in the secondary school environment.

The Role: Key Responsibilities

Working primarily with students across Key Stages 3 and 4 (ages 11-16), you will:

  • Targeted Support: Provide intensive one-to-one and small-group support to pupils with complex SEMH needs, including anxiety, trauma, and challenging behaviour.

  • Behaviour Management: Implement established behaviour intervention plans, using effective de-escalation techniques and positive reinforcement to help students regulate their emotions.

  • Engagement & Inclusion: Support the class teacher in differentiating the curriculum and creating a safe, structured environment that promotes student engagement and successful inclusion.

  • Pastoral Mentorship: Act as a consistent and trusted mentor, building strong, positive relationships that encourage students to attend school and develop essential social skills.

  • Liaison: Contribute to progress reviews and communicate effectively with the SENCO, pastoral staff, and parents regarding pupil well-being and progress.

Essential Requirements

  • Proven experience supporting children or young people with SEMH needs and challenging behaviour, ideally within a secondary school or specialist setting.

  • Demonstrable knowledge of effective strategies for managing high-stress situations calmly and professionally.

  • Excellent communication skills, high levels of resilience, and a patient, non-judgmental approach.

  • A relevant qualification (e.g., Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification or equivalent experience in Youth Work/Care).

The Offer

  • Contract: Full-Time, Long-Term Contract (potential for permanent conversion).

  • Start Date: Monday 3rd November 2025, or ASAP.

  • Location: Blackpool Secondary School.

  • Salary: Competitive daily rate, reflecting experience and the specialist nature of the role.

If you are ready to make a profound difference to the emotional well-being and educational outcomes of Blackpool students, we encourage you to apply.

To apply, please submit your CV and a brief covering letter detailing your experience with SEMH/Behavioural support to rachael.boaler@twrecruitment.com or click apply.

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. This role is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

Specialist SEMH Teaching Assistant required in a Blackpool Secondary School. Full-time, long-term contract starting Nov 2025. Support challenging behaviour. Apply now! #BlackpoolTAJobs