SEMH Teaching Assistant

Teaching Assistant - SEMH School (Primary & Secondary) | South Bristol (BS4)

Job Title: Teaching Assistant - SEMH School (Primary & Secondary)
Location: South Bristol (BS4)
Hours: 8:30am - 3:30pm, Monday to Friday (Term Time Only)
Pay: £93.00 - £105.00 per day (PAYE - no umbrella companies)
Contract: Full-time, Long-term with the potential to become permanent
Start Date: September 2026

Make a real difference where it matters most.

Tradewind Recruitment are working in partnership with a highly respected specialist SEMH school in South Bristol (BS4) to recruit dedicated and resilient Teaching Assistants to join their exceptional team.

This specialist setting supports children and young people across both Primary and Secondary phases, providing tailored education for pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. Many pupils also have additional needs including Autism (ASD), ADHD, attachment difficulties, trauma-related behaviours and communication needs.

The school is well known locally for its nurturing, therapeutic approach and its commitment to helping every pupil overcome barriers to learning, develop positive relationships and achieve success both inside and outside the classroom.

The Role

As a Teaching Assistant, you will become an integral part of the school's supportive team, working alongside teachers, pastoral staff and therapists to help pupils achieve their individual goals.

You will:

• Provide 1:1 and small group support for pupils with SEMH and additional needs.
• Build strong, trusting relationships that help pupils feel safe, valued and ready to learn.
• Support pupils with emotional regulation, behaviour and social development.
• Encourage engagement with learning through patience, consistency and positive reinforcement.
• Assist with personalised learning activities both inside and outside the classroom.
• Help create a calm, structured and nurturing environment where pupils can thrive.
• Work across both Primary and Secondary classrooms, supporting a wide range of ages and abilities.

We are looking for someone who:

• Has experience working with children or young people in education, residential care, youth work, sports coaching, mentoring or similar settings.
• Is resilient, calm and able to build positive relationships with pupils who may present with challenging behaviour.
• Has a genuine passion for supporting vulnerable children and young people.
• Understands that behaviour is communication and approaches every situation with empathy and professionalism.
• Is flexible, proactive and enjoys working as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Why this opportunity stands out

This specialist school is recognised for its welcoming atmosphere, experienced leadership team and outstanding pastoral support. Staff are genuinely valued and receive excellent training, making it an ideal environment for anyone looking to develop a career in specialist education, psychology, social work or teaching.

You'll join a school where relationships come first, every achievement is celebrated and no two days are ever the same.

Essential Requirements

• Enhanced DBS on the Update Service (or willingness to apply).
• Right to work in the UK.
• Two recent professional references.
• A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

Why work with Tradewind Recruitment?

• Competitive daily pay through PAYE.
• Free access to over 2,500 CPD courses through The National College.
• A dedicated education consultant supporting you throughout your placement.
• Opportunities to secure a permanent position.
• Access to a wide range of specialist education roles across Bristol and the surrounding areas.

If you're looking for a rewarding role supporting children and young people with SEMH needs in one of South Bristol's most established specialist education settings, we'd love to hear from you.