SEMH Learning Support Assistant – Colchester

Company: TeacherActive

Job Types: Full-time, Temporary to Permanent

Salary: Competitive rates of pay (dependent on experience)

TeacherActive is currently recruiting a resilient, enthusiastic, and dedicated SEMH Learning Support Assistant to join a specialist secondary setting in Colchester.

This rewarding role involves supporting secondary-aged pupils with severe Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. As an SEMH Learning Support Assistant, you will play a vital role in helping students engage with education, regulate their emotions, develop positive relationships, and achieve their individual goals.

The role will involve working closely with pupils on a one-to-one basis and in small groups, supporting behaviour management strategies, and assisting with classroom-based and outdoor activities designed to promote engagement, confidence, and personal development.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide one-to-one and small group support to secondary-aged pupils with severe SEMH needs
• Build positive, professional relationships with students who may display challenging behaviours
• Support students in managing emotions, behaviours, and social interactions
• Assist teachers in delivering engaging and differentiated learning activities
• Promote positive behaviour and support the school's behaviour management policies
• Help maintain a safe, structured, and inclusive learning environment
• Support students during lessons, break times, and enrichment activities
• Assist with preparing and adapting learning materials where required

Requirements

• Previous experience working with young people is desirable
• Experience within SEMH, education, youth work, care, support work, mentoring, coaching, or similar settings is advantageous
• A sports, coaching, fitness, or team leadership background is highly desirable but not essential
• Personal experience supporting individuals with additional needs will also be considered
• Resilient, patient, and adaptable approach
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Ability to remain calm and professional in challenging situations
• Genuine passion for supporting vulnerable young people to succeed
• Enhanced Child and Adult DBS registered on the Update Service, or willingness to apply for one

Benefits

• Competitive rates of pay
• Opportunity to secure a permanent position
• Ongoing CPD and specialist SEMH training
• Dedicated support from an experienced consultant
• Opportunity to work within a highly supportive specialist setting

Why Apply?

• Immediate start available
• Excellent opportunity for individuals from sports, coaching, youth work, care, mentoring, or support backgrounds looking to transition into education
• Make a meaningful difference to the lives of vulnerable young people
• Gain valuable experience within a specialist SEMH environment
• There is always an opportunity for the right candidate with the right attitude, resilience, and passion for supporting young people

Safeguarding Statement

TeacherActive is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants will be subject to enhanced DBS checks, satisfactory references, and compliance with safeguarding procedures in line with safer recruitment practices.

Apply today to secure your next role.

01245 335 533

✉️ [email protected]

About TeacherActive

TeacherActive is one of the UK’s leading education recruitment agencies, with over 20 years of experience supporting schools and education professionals. We place teachers and support staff into a wide range of temporary, contract and permanent roles, helping candidates find rewarding opportunities that suit their experience, availability and career goals. We pride ourselves on providing an excellent service to both our schools and candidates.

TeacherActive is an equal opportunities employer and operates as an Employment Business and Employment Agency in providing temporary, contract and permanent job seeking services.

Registration may involve an enhanced DBS check, ID checks and the supply of good professional references, depending on the role. We are committed to safeguarding and compliance across all placements.

Regular external audits have shown repeatedly that our standards are exceptional. We are passionate about finding the right staff for each education environment.