Sen Teaching Assistant
Job description
Original text imported from Reed
SEMH Teaching Assistant – Bristol
Full-Time | Term Time Only | Immediate Start Available
We are currently seeking a dedicated and resilient SEMH Teaching Assistant to join a supportive educational setting in Bristol. This is a rewarding opportunity to support children and young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, helping them achieve both academically and personally.
The RoleAs an SEMH Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with pupils who may display challenging behaviour, emotional difficulties, or additional learning needs. You will provide 1:1 and small group support, helping students engage positively with learning and develop confidence, emotional regulation, and social skills.
Key Responsibilities- Support pupils with SEMH needs within the classroom and around the school setting
- Build positive and trusting relationships with students
- Assist teachers in delivering engaging and structured lessons
- Help manage behaviour using positive behaviour strategies
- Encourage student independence, confidence, and emotional wellbeing
- Work collaboratively with teachers, SENCOs, therapists, and parents/carers
- Previous experience working with children or young people with SEMH, SEN, or behavioural needs is desirable
- Calm, patient, and resilient approach
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills
- Ability to remain professional in challenging situations
- A genuine passion for supporting vulnerable young people
- Enhanced DBS on the Update Service or willingness to obtain one
- Competitive daily pay rates
- Ongoing training and professional development
- Supportive school environments
- Opportunity to make a real difference in young people’s lives
- Potential for long-term or permanent opportunities
If you are passionate about supporting students with additional needs and want to be part of a rewarding and impactful role, we would love to hear from you.
Apply today to start your journey as an SEMH Teaching Assistant in Bristol.
All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.
All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.
Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.
We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.
For details of our privacy policy, please visit the Teaching Personnel website.
Key skills
AI-extracted from the job advert
Application advice
5 AI-generated recommendations to maximise your chances.
⭐ Highlight your SEMH or SEN experience prominently as this role specifically requires supporting Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs
📊 Quantify your impact: 'Supported 8 SEMH students, improving classroom engagement by 40%'
🔒 Emphasise your Enhanced DBS status or willingness to obtain one as this is essential for safeguarding
🤝 Showcase specific behaviour management techniques you've used with challenging students
🎯 Mention any collaboration with SENCOs, therapists or multi-disciplinary teams as the role requires teamwork
Suggested CV bullets
3 bullets our AI drafted for this specific advert, mirroring its ATS keywords.
Add these 3 bullets under your most recent experience:
- •Supported 12 SEMH students with challenging behaviour using positive behaviour strategies, achieving 65% reduction in classroom disruptions over one term
- •Delivered 1:1 interventions for students with emotional difficulties, helping 8 pupils improve social skills and classroom engagement by 40%
- •Collaborated with SENCOs and therapists to implement behaviour plans for 15 vulnerable students, maintaining detailed progress records
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Letter preview — tailored to Teaching Personnel
Dear Hiring Manager,
Teaching Personnel's SEMH Teaching Assistant position in Bristol aligns perfectly with my passion for supporting vulnerable young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs. My experience in behaviour management and 1:1 support makes me well-suited to help students develop emotional regulation and confidence.
My background in educational support has equipped me with the resilience and patience essential for working with challenging behaviour whilst maintaining positive relationships with students, teachers and families.
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Interview questions
10 questions generated from this advert.
Technical
- ›How would you support a student experiencing an emotional meltdown in the classroom?
- ›What positive behaviour strategies have you used with SEMH students?
- ›How do you differentiate support for students with varying emotional and learning needs?
- ›Describe your experience working with SENCOs and multi-disciplinary teams
- ›What safeguarding procedures would you follow if concerned about a student's wellbeing?
Behavioural
- ›Tell me about a time you built trust with a challenging student
- ›Describe a situation where you had to remain calm under pressure
- ›How do you handle rejection or difficult behaviour from students?
- ›Give an example of when you helped a student develop confidence
- ›Tell me about a time you worked collaboratively with teachers and parents
STAR answer examples
Model answers using the Situation-Task-Action-Result framework. Adapt to your own experience.
Tell me about a time you built trust with a challenging student
How do you handle rejection or difficult behaviour from students?