Job Description

SEMH Teaching Assistant - Derby and Surrounding Areas

Start Date: September 2025
Salary: £90 - £120 per day (depending on experience)
Location: Derby City and surrounding areas

Are you a patient, resilient, and compassionate individual passionate about supporting young people with social, emotional, and mental health needs? Tradewind Recruitment is currently seeking dedicated SEMH Teaching Assistants to work in a variety of secondary schools and SEMH provisions across Derby and the surrounding areas, starting from November 2025.

This is an excellent opportunity for individuals who want to make a genuine difference in the lives of students who need additional emotional and behavioural support to reach their full potential.

Why Work as an SEMH Teaching Assistant with Tradewind Recruitment?

Tradewind Recruitment is one of the UK's leading education recruitment agencies, specialising in connecting passionate support staff with schools that truly value their contribution. As an SEMH Teaching Assistant, you'll have the opportunity to work in nurturing, inclusive environments that focus on emotional wellbeing as well as academic progress.

When you join Tradewind Recruitment as an SEMH Teaching Assistant, you'll benefit from:

  • A competitive daily rate of £90-£120 (depending on experience)

  • Access to inclusive and supportive schools across Derby and surrounding areas

  • A dedicated local consultant offering guidance and career support every step of the way

  • Free CPD and training to develop your skills in SEMH support and classroom management

  • Flexible working options, including full-time and part-time roles

Key Responsibilities of an SEMH Teaching Assistant:

As an SEMH Teaching Assistant, you will play a vital role in supporting students who face social, emotional, and mental health challenges. Your key responsibilities will include:

  • Providing tailored 1:1 and small-group support for students with SEMH needs

  • Building positive, trusting relationships with pupils to promote confidence, resilience, and engagement

  • Assisting teachers in delivering lessons and managing classroom behaviour

  • Supporting students with emotional regulation, conflict resolution, and social skills

  • Working closely with the SENCo, pastoral staff, and external agencies to ensure students receive holistic support

What We're Looking For:

To be successful as an SEMH Teaching Assistant, you should have:

  • Experience working with young people in a school, SEMH, care, or youth work setting

  • A calm, empathetic, and proactive approach to behaviour management

  • Strong communication and relationship-building skills

  • Confidence supporting students with special educational needs or challenging behaviour

  • An Enhanced DBS on the Update Service, or willingness to apply for one

We welcome applications from experienced SEMH Teaching Assistants, graduates considering a career in education, or professionals with backgrounds in care, youth work, or mental health support.

Apply Now:

If you're ready to take the next step in your career and make a real impact as an SEMH Teaching Assistant in Derby, we'd love to hear from you.