Job Description

SEMH Teaching Assistant
Location: Wigan
Pay Rate: £95 £110 per day DOE
Start Date: September 2026
Contract: Full-time, Monday to Friday

Are you passionate about supporting young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs? Do you have the resilience, patience and enthusiasm to help pupils overcome barriers to learning and achieve their full potential?

Cover People are recruiting a dedicated SEMH Teaching Assistant to work in a specialist secondary setting in Wigan. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a nurturing and highly supportive school that provides personalised education for pupils with SEMH needs. The school places a strong emphasis on building positive relationships, promoting emotional wellbeing and helping every student develop the confidence and skills needed for future success.

The Role:

• Support pupils with SEMH needs both in and out of the classroom.
• Build positive relationships and act as a consistent role model.
• Assist the class teacher in delivering engaging and differentiated learning activities.
• Support pupils with emotional regulation and behaviour using positive strategies.
• Encourage independence, resilience and confidence in learning.
• Work closely with teachers, pastoral staff and external professionals to support individual pupil progress.

The Ideal Candidate:

• Previous experience working with children or young people with SEMH, SEND or challenging behaviour.
• A calm, patient and resilient approach.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• A genuine passion for supporting vulnerable young people.
• Team Teach training is desirable but not essential.

Why Choose Cover People?

• Competitive daily pay rates.
• Weekly pay.
• A dedicated consultant supporting you throughout your placement.
• Access to free CPD and training opportunities.
• Opportunities for long-term and permanent roles.

All pay rates include 12.07% statutory holiday pay where applicable.

Cover People are acting as an employment business on behalf of this school. Successful applicants will be subject to safeguarding and vetting procedures in line with statutory guidance, including an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.

Cover People is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment.