Specialist Teaching Assistant

Specialist Teaching Assistant

Location: Barnsley, S71

Contract: Temporary to permanent (term time only). Monday to Friday (8:30-3:30)

Start date: ASAP

Salary: £90 - £95 per day (dependant on experience)

About the Role

NextGen Teachers are thrilled to share an exciting opportunity at a specialist SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health) school in Barnsley. This progressive school is proud of its dedicated and supportive staff, excellent training and CPD programmes, and, above all, the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of truly inspiring young people.

We're seeking an experienced, caring, and committed individual with a genuine passion for supporting children with complex SEMH needs. In this role, you'll play a vital part beyond the classroom - fostering meaningful relationships, delivering personalised 1:1 and small-group interventions, and collaborating with colleagues to create a supportive, inclusive, and empowering environment where every student can flourish.

Key Responsibilities

• Your main focus will be to provide essential support to a designated group of students with complex social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs.
• Plan and facilitate smooth transitions between lessons and activities, ensuring pupils experience a safe, structured, and predictable routine throughout the school day.
• Act as a 'secure base' for students by helping them regulate their emotions, modelling positive and trusting adult behaviour, supporting healthy relationships, maintaining calm consistency, and setting clear boundaries with empathy and respect.
• As a key member of the team, build strong, trusting relationships with your group of students to support their growth and wellbeing.

Requirements

• Experience working with children or young people with complex needs
• A solid understanding of positive behaviour support strategies and de-escalation techniques
• Ability to engage, motivate, and educate students effectively
• Strong communication skills for building positive relationships with students, parents, and colleagues
• Level 3 qualification (or equivalent) - or a willingness to work towards achieving it
• Understanding of safeguarding practices and accurate record-keeping procedures
• Access to own vehicle
• Enhanced DBS (on the Update Service or willingness to apply)
• Minimum Grade C/4 in GCSE English, Maths, and Science

If you meet the above requirements and are eager to contribute to the safe, happy environment that supports the learning of every student, please email your CV to charlotte@nextgenteachers.co.uk, or apply directly to this advert.

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.