Job Description

Primary Teaching Assistant (SEMH)

Prospero Teaching are working with a 'Good' Ofsted rated SEN School based in Southampton recruiting a Primary Teaching Assistant (SEMH).

The school is a nurturing and inclusive specialist setting for children with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. Relational practice and trauma-informed approaches are at the heart of everything they do, ensuring every child feels safe, valued, understood and supported. The school believes that children thrive when their individual needs are recognised and met through positive relationships, consistency and a caring, child-centred approach.

The School are looking for individuals that are supportive, non-judgemental, patient, easy to talk to, positive and flexible. You must be able to speak to pupils in a manner which encourages and supports them, enabling you to build trusting relationships.

Previous experience of working with young people is desirable. Experience with autistic children and those with social communication difficulties would be an advantage. Applications are welcomed from experienced Teaching Assistants, as well as candidates with Preschool or EYFS experience. A team player with patience, understanding and a willingness to develop is essential.

Working hours are 08.30am - 15.30pm

Contract Details:

• Location: Southampton, Hampshire
• Position: Primary Teaching Assistant (SEMH)
• Start date: September 2026
• Contract type: Long Term / Permanent
• Duration / Likely Duration: Temp-To-Perm
• Full time/part time: Full Time
• Minimum rate of pay: 14.66 per hour

Experience:

• Previous experience supporting children or young people with SEMH needs, Autism, ADHD, attachment needs or other additional needs.
• Experience working within a Primary, SEN, Alternative Provision, EYFS, childcare, residential care or similar setting.
• Ability to build positive, trusting relationships and support pupils who may present with emotional, behavioural or communication difficulties.
• Confident using a calm, nurturing and consistent approach to support emotional regulation, engagement and positive behaviour.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, parents and external professionals.
• Patient, resilient and passionate about helping children overcome barriers to learning and achieve positive outcomes.

Qualifications

• GCSE Grade C/4 or above in English and Maths (or equivalent).
• NVQ Level 2 or Level 3 Supporting Teaching and Learning, Childcare, Health & Social Care, or equivalent qualification (desirable).
• Degree-level qualification in Education, Psychology, Childhood Studies or a related field (desirable).
• Additional training or qualifications relating to SEND, Autism, SEMH or Behaviour Support would be advantageous.

To be eligible for this role through Prospero Teaching, you must:

• Hold Right to Work in the UK.
• Hold an enhanced child barred list DBS certificate registered with the online update service or be willing to process a new application.
• Provide two professional child-related references

Prospero Teaching is able to offer the successful candidate:

• Free, accredited continued professional development courses including safeguarding and behaviour management.
• In-house Training and Development Team
• The opportunity to work within a supportive, child-centred school committed to helping every pupil reach their full potential

If you would like to be considered for this role, please apply with a copy of your up-to-date CV. Unfortunately, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Prospero Teaching is acting as an employment business/education recruitment agency in relation to this vacancy. The successful candidate will be required to register with Prospero Teaching in order to fill this vacancy.

If you are a Teaching Assistant and would like to be considered for this role, please apply with a copy of your up-to-date CV or get in touch on (phone number removed).

If you know someone who would be interested in this or other positions, check out our Refer a Friend Scheme. We pay GBP150 for every successful referral.