SEMH Teaching Assistant / Behaviour Support Assistant - Primary, 1:1

Location: Near Haywards Heath, West Sussex
Salary: £20,984-£23,847 per annum, depending on experience and qualifications
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:40am-3:55pm
Contract: Full-time, term time only - 36 hours per week, 39 weeks per year
Start Date: September 2026

Full UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle is essential.

Are you a Teaching Assistant, SEN TA, Behaviour Support Worker, Youth Worker or Support Worker with experience supporting children with SEMH, challenging behaviour or additional needs?

NextGen Teachers are working with a specialist primary SEMH school near Haywards Heath looking for a dedicated 1:1 SEMH Teaching Assistant / Behaviour Support Assistant.

This is a rewarding opportunity to work closely with a pupil who requires individualised support with behaviour, emotional regulation and engagement with learning.

The Role

As a 1:1 SEMH Teaching Assistant, you will provide consistent support throughout the school day, helping the pupil manage barriers to learning and develop positive relationships and independence.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing dedicated 1:1 support to a pupil with SEMH needs
• Supporting children who may display challenging behaviour
• Helping pupils with emotional regulation and behaviour management
• Building a positive, trusting and consistent relationship with the pupil
• Supporting engagement with learning and classroom activities
• Using positive behaviour strategies and agreed support plans
• Encouraging confidence, resilience and independence
• Supporting social and emotional development
• Helping create a calm, structured and safe learning environment
• Working closely with teachers and specialist support staff
• Adapting your approach to meet the pupil's individual needs

Who We're Looking For

We're interested in candidates with experience working with children or young people in education, care, support work, mental health, youth work or residential settings.

Relevant backgrounds include:

• SEMH Teaching Assistant
• SEN Teaching Assistant / SEND TA
• Learning Support Assistant / LSA
• Behaviour Support Worker
• Behaviour Mentor
• Youth Worker
• Pastoral Support Worker
• Mental Health Support Worker
• Residential Support Worker
• Children's Support Worker
• Care Worker / Care Assistant
• Psychology graduate
• Sports Coach or Youth Mentor

Experience supporting SEMH, Autism, ADHD, anxiety, trauma, emotional regulation or challenging behaviour would be particularly beneficial.

We're looking for someone who is:

• Calm, patient and resilient
• Confident supporting challenging behaviour
• Consistent and emotionally intelligent
• Able to build strong relationships with children
• Positive and encouraging
• A strong communicator and team player
• Comfortable working in a specialist SEMH environment
• Passionate about helping children overcome barriers to learning

Why Apply?

• £20,984.46-£23,847.93 per annum
• Full-time, term time only
• 36 hours per week, 39 weeks per year
• Monday-Friday, 8:40am-3:55pm
• Dedicated 1:1 role
• Specialist primary SEMH setting
• Gain valuable experience in behaviour support and specialist education
• Work alongside experienced teachers and support staff
• Ongoing training and professional development
• Opportunity to develop a career in SEND, SEMH, education or children's services
• Support from NextGen Teachers throughout the recruitment process

Important - Driving Requirement

Due to the school's location near Haywards Heath and limited public transport options, a full UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle is essential.

Please consider your travel arrangements before applying.

Apply Today

If you're looking for a SEMH Teaching Assistant, SEN TA, Behaviour Support or 1:1 Teaching Assistant role and have experience supporting children or young people with additional needs or challenging behaviour, we'd love to hear from you.

Transferable experience from care, youth work, mental health, residential support or other relevant settings will be considered.

Apply today to be considered for this 1:1 SEMH Teaching Assistant / Behaviour Support Assistant role near Haywards Heath.

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