Job Description

SEMH Teaching Assistant
Location: North Manchester
Start Date: September 2026
Contract: Long-Term
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience

SEMH Teaching Assistant - Secondary School

Aspire People are proud to be recruiting on behalf of one of our valued secondary school partners in North Manchester. Having worked closely with the school for a number of years, we are looking to appoint two dedicated SEMH Teaching Assistants to join their supportive team from September.
This is an excellent opportunity for compassionate, resilient and motivated individuals who are passionate about supporting young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs and helping them overcome the barriers they face in education.

The school is looking to interview suitable candidates as soon as possible, so early applications are encouraged.

The Role
As an SEMH Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with students who require additional emotional and behavioural support to access education successfully. You will build positive, trusting relationships with pupils and provide both academic and emotional support throughout the school day.

The students you will support may experience:
Anxiety and emotionally based school avoidance.
Trauma and adverse childhood experiences.
Difficulties with emotional regulation.
Challenges forming friendships and engaging socially with peers.
Low confidence, self-esteem and resilience.

Your role will be to encourage engagement, promote emotional wellbeing and help students develop the confidence and coping strategies needed to succeed both inside and outside the classroom.

We are looking for candidates who have:
A degree in Educational Psychology, Psychology or a related subject.
Previous experience supporting children or young people with SEN and/or SEMH needs.
Experience within a secondary school, primary school, specialist provision, alternative provision or residential children's home.
Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
Patience, resilience and a calm, empathetic approach.
A genuine passion for supporting vulnerable young people to reach their potential.

Essential Requirements
Previous experience working with children or young people with SEN/SEMH.
An enhanced DBS registered on the Update Service (or willingness to obtain one).
References covering the last two years.
The ability to commit to a long-term role starting in September.

Why Join Aspire People?
Aspire People have built a strong partnership with this welcoming secondary school over several years and are proud to support their recruitment. The school offers a supportive leadership team, excellent staff development and the opportunity to make a lasting difference to the lives of young people who need it most.

If you're passionate about supporting students with SEMH needs and are looking for a rewarding long-term opportunity, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today to be considered for interview.

Aspire People Limited provides services as an Education Agency and an Education Employment Business. Aspire People is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and expects every candidate to share this commitment. Placements are subject, to appropriate Child Protection screening, including checks with former employers and the Disclosure and Barring Checks.