SEMH Special School (Years 4–9)

This is a wonderful opportunity for an enthusiastic, reflective and caring practitioner to join a collaborative, newly registered small school and growing community.

Our fully inclusive co-educational SEMH special school welcomes pupils from Year 4 to Year 9 and is committed to nurturing every child through strong relationships, high expectations and a personalised approach to learning.

You will join a happy, newly formed staff team committed to our ethos and central values of Connection, Community and Creativity. The successful candidate will be supported by an experienced and skilled governance team who know and understand the community and who hold high expectations for both pupils and staff.

We are seeking a Teaching Assistant who shares our ambition for every child, understands the importance of developing the whole child, and can help pupils grow with confidence, care and purpose.

The Role

The successful candidate will:

• Support the delivery of creative, responsive and effective teaching and learning
• Help deliver a broad, balanced, diverse and flexible curriculum, including academic, project-based, hands-on and vocational learning opportunities
• Support learning in English and Maths through both classroom and small-group interventions
• Promote a culture of inclusion, confidence, respect and aspiration
• Build strong, trusting relationships with pupils and families
• Provide consistent pastoral support and promote emotional safety
• Use restorative and trauma-informed approaches to behaviour and wellbeing
• Support pupils to develop self-esteem, friendships and self-advocacy skills
• Assist in monitoring pupil progress, engagement and attendance
• Work collaboratively with teachers and external professionals to support individual learning and wellbeing needs
• Contribute positively to the wider life and culture of the school

Community & Culture

We are committed to building a school culture and curriculum that reflects the richness and diversity of the community. The successful candidate will:

• Develop positive partnerships with parents and carers
• Support learning experiences connected to the wider community
• Promote positive strategies to challenge discrimination and remove barriers to learning
• Help create a safe, nurturing and inclusive environment where every child feels valued and understood

Innovation & Development

This role offers the exciting opportunity to help shape and develop an outstanding small-school model of SEN education. We welcome practitioners who:

• Bring creativity, patience, resilience and warmth to their practice
• Contribute ideas for enrichment, intervention and whole-school improvement
• Maintain reflective practice and engage in ongoing professional development
• Are open to growth, collaboration and continuous improvement

Qualifications & Experience

Applicants should have:

• Experience working with children or young people, ideally within an SEMH or SEN setting
• A strong understanding of safeguarding and child-centred practice
• The ability to build positive and professional relationships with pupils, families and colleagues
• Experience supporting behaviour, emotional wellbeing and learning engagement
• Good literacy and numeracy skills, with confidence supporting basic English and Maths
• A calm, flexible and proactive approach to supporting pupils with additional needs

Relevant qualifications, training or evidence of continuous professional development would be welcomed.

If you are passionate about making a meaningful difference and excited by the prospect of working within a supportive, nurturing and values-driven environment, we warmly encourage you to apply.