SEMH / Autism SEN Teaching Assistant

SEMH & ASD Teaching Assistant

Location: Huddersfield
Contract: Temporary to permanent (term time only), Monday to Friday (8:30am - 3:30pm)
Start Date: ASAP
Salary: £95 - £100 per day (dependent on experience) Annual: £20,422 - £23,232.69

About the Role

We are proud to be partnering with a specialist school dedicated to supporting children with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), helping them thrive both academically and personally.

At this nurturing and inclusive setting, every pupil is supported through an individualised approach that recognises their unique communication styles, sensory needs, experiences, and strengths. As part of a dedicated and supportive team, you will play a key role in helping pupils develop emotional regulation, communication skills, confidence, and positive relationships.

Your patience, empathy, and consistency will be essential in supporting pupils to manage emotions, navigate social situations, and overcome barriers to learning.

The school delivers a highly personalised, therapeutic, and structured curriculum, incorporating predictable routines and tailored strategies to support pupils with both SEMH and ASD. They are now seeking a Teaching Assistant to join their committed team, working closely with pupils to promote engagement, wellbeing, and positive behaviour in a safe and supportive environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Support pupils with SEMH and ASD, helping them overcome barriers to learning
• Deliver structured and engaging activities that support emotional regulation, communication, and engagement
• Use autism-specific strategies such as visual supports, structured routines, and clear communication approaches
• Work closely with teaching and pastoral teams to support pupils' development and wellbeing
• Use a range of behaviour management and de-escalation strategies to promote positive behaviour
• Provide consistent emotional support and mentoring, building trust and positive relationships
• Support pupils to develop social interaction skills, coping strategies, and independence
• Adapt support to meet sensory needs, including managing transitions and reducing anxiety
• Support pupils during lessons, transitions, and unstructured times throughout the school day

Requirements

• Experience supporting pupils with SEMH, ASD, or additional behavioural needs
• Strong patience, empathy, and positive behaviour management skills
• Understanding of autism, including communication differences and sensory processing needs
• Ability to build trusting relationships with pupils who may struggle with emotional regulation and social interaction
• A calm, consistent, and resilient approach
• Willingness to support off-site activities and enrichment opportunities
• A genuine passion for helping pupils overcome barriers and reach their potential
• Good understanding of safeguarding and accurate record-keeping
• Team Teach trained (or willingness to undertake training)
• Enhanced DBS on the Update Service (or willingness to apply)
• GCSE English and Maths (Grade 4/C or above) or equivalent

NextGen Teachers is an education recruitment agency specialising in SEN and SEMH. We work with community schools through to multi-academy trusts across West Yorkshire, the South East of England and London, connecting educators with meaningful teaching opportunities.

We recruit for SEN qualified teachers, teaching support staff, and both short-term and long-term supply roles across Primary, Secondary and SEN schools. As a candidate with NextGen Teachers, you'll be supported by a team that genuinely cares about your career - taking the time to understand what you're looking for and matching you with schools where you can thrive and make a real difference.

Huntress does not discriminate on the grounds of age, race, gender, disability, creed or sexual orientation and complies with all relevant UK legislation. PLEASE NOTE! You should make yourself aware of how immigration laws apply to your situation before applying for any jobs. We are acting as a Recruitment Agency in relation to this role.