Job Description

Teaching Assistant (SEMH School)

Location: Blackburn, Lancashire (UK)

Start Date: September 2026

Contract: 12-Month Fixed-Term Contract (Full Academic Year)

Schedule: Full-time, 5 days a week (Monday to Friday, Term Time Only)

Pay: £92.89 - £115.89 per day

About Our School

Tradewind are looking for a specialised SEMH (Social, Emotional, and Mental Health) Teaching Assistant to work within an SEMH school in Blackburn dedicated to providing a safe, structured, and nurturing learning environment for pupils who face significant barriers to learning in mainstream education. Our team works hard to re-engage young people, build their self-esteem, and support their emotional and academic development.

Tradewind are currently seeking dedicated, resilient, and empathetic Teaching Assistants to join a close-knit team for the upcoming academic year on a stable, 12-month contract.

The Role & Responsibilities

In an SEMH setting, your day-to-day role goes far beyond standard academic support. You will act as a mentor, role model, and consistent figure in our students' daily routines.

1:1 & Small Group Mentoring: Support pupils with complex SEMH needs, trauma backgrounds, or associated conditions such as ADHD and Autism.

Behaviour Management: Implement positive behaviour strategies, utilising specialised de-escalation techniques to support students during periods of crisis.

Academic Assistance: Help pupils engage with personalisation plans and access the curriculum at a pace that works for them.

Collaborative Support: Work closely with class teachers, pastoral staff, and multi-agency professionals to ensure the wellbeing of every student.

About You

Working in an SEMH school is incredibly rewarding, but it requires a high level of personal resilience, patience, and emotional intelligence.

Requirements:

Resilience: The ability to remain calm, objective, and professional when faced with challenging or disruptive behaviour.

Commitment: Consistency is vital for our pupils. You must be able to commit to a full-time, Monday-to-Friday schedule for the full 12 months.

Background: Prior experience working with SEMH, SEND, or vulnerable youth (e.g., youth work, residential care, sports coaching, or mainstream SEN support) is highly advantageous.

Compliance: An enhanced DBS check registered on the Update Service is essential (or willingness to apply for one immediately).

What We Offer

Stability: A guaranteed 12-month contract spanning the full academic year.

Professional Development: Access to continuous professional development (CPD) and certified training in positive handling and de-escalation (e.g., Team Teach).

Supportive Culture: A welcoming team that values collaboration, peer support, and staff wellbeing.

How to Apply

If you have the passion, resilience, and dedication to make a real difference to vulnerable young people in Blackburn, we want to hear from you.

Please click and apply to submit your CV and a brief cover letter outlining why you are the perfect fit for our team c(url removed) or call (phone number removed)