SEMH Teaching Assistant
SEMH Teaching Assistant – Specialist School, Salisbury
£88–£100 per day (depending on experience)
Location: Salisbury
Start Date: September 2026
Hours: 08:30 – 15:30
Contract: Long-Term | Potential to Become Permanent
Are you a patient, resilient and compassionate Teaching Assistant looking to make a genuine difference in the lives of young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs?
Supply Desk are currently recruiting for an SEMH Teaching Assistant to join a growing specialist school in Salisbury from September 2026. This specialist provision supports pupils with SEMH needs and Autism, offering a personalised approach to education, care and therapeutic support. The school’s mission focuses on preparing pupils for successful and independent futures through tailored learning and strong pastoral support.
About the Role
As an SEMH Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with students who require additional emotional, behavioural and learning support. Many pupils have struggled in mainstream settings and benefit from highly personalised interventions, structured routines and positive relationships that help them engage with education.
You will work alongside teachers, therapists and support staff to create an environment where pupils feel safe, understood and motivated to achieve their goals.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Providing 1:1 and small-group support for pupils with SEMH needs.
- Supporting students with emotional regulation, social interaction and behaviour management.
- Helping pupils access learning through tailored support strategies.
- Building positive and trusting relationships that promote confidence and engagement.
- Supporting the delivery of personalised learning plans and interventions.
- Encouraging independence, resilience and positive self-esteem.
- Working collaboratively with teachers, pastoral teams and external professionals.
- Maintaining a safe, nurturing and inclusive learning environment.
About the School
- Specialist setting supporting pupils with SEMH and Autism
- Provides integrated education, care and therapeutic support to meet individual needs.
- Offers a highly personalised approach to learning and development.
- Modern facilities including sensory spaces, therapy rooms, specialist teaching areas and outdoor learning environments.
- Strong emphasis on pupil wellbeing, safety, independence and preparation for adulthood.
- Supportive leadership team with excellent opportunities for professional development.
What You’ll Need
- Experience working with children or young people in education, care, coaching or support environments.
- Understanding of SEMH, SEND or behaviour support strategies.
- A calm, patient and resilient approach.
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
- The ability to remain professional and adaptable in challenging situations.
- A genuine passion for supporting vulnerable learners.
- An Enhanced DBS on the Update Service or willingness to obtain one.
Why Work with Supply Desk?
- Competitive daily rates of £88–£100 per day.
- Long-term placement with potential for a permanent contract.
- Access to specialist CPD, including SEMH, SEND and behaviour management training.
- Dedicated consultant support throughout your placement.
- Opportunities to gain valuable experience within a specialist educational setting.
- Refer a Friend Scheme – earn up to £150 for successful referrals.
Apply Now
If you’re passionate about helping young people overcome barriers to learning and want to build a rewarding career within specialist education, we’d love to hear from you.
Submit your CV today or contact the Supply Desk Hampshire team to find out more about this exciting SEMH Teaching Assistant opportunity in Salisbury starting September 2026.
Supply Desk is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS, including a children’s barred list check and, where applicable, a vulnerable adults barred list check, is required for all successful candidates.
To be considered for the role and the rates advertised, you must meet the minimum experience, training or qualifications stated and have the legal right to work in the UK. To be considered for a higher rate, in addition to meeting the minimum criteria, you must be able to demonstrate additional experience, training, and if applicable, qualifications. This role complies with AWR (2010) regulations protecting agency workers’ rights. Please note that this job expires after 90 days-you can, however, still apply to be considered for similar roles.