SEMH Teaching Assistant

EMH Teaching Assistant – Alternative Provision (Worthing) Location: Worthing, West Sussex Start Date: ASAP / September 2026 About UsWe are a supportive and nurturing Alternative Provision in Worthing, dedicated to helping young people who have struggled to thrive in mainstream education. Our students have a range of Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, and many have experienced barriers to learning, trauma, exclusion, or adverse childhood experiences. We believe every young person deserves the opportunity to succeed. Through strong relationships, therapeutic approaches, and personalised learning, we help pupils re-engage with education and build confidence for the future. The RoleWe are seeking a resilient, compassionate and enthusiastic SEMH Teaching Assistant to join our team. You will work closely with teachers and pastoral staff to support students both in and out of the classroom, helping them develop positive behaviours, emotional regulation skills, and confidence in learning. No two days are the same, and this is a highly rewarding opportunity for someone passionate about making a real difference in young people's lives. Key Responsibilities • Provide 1:1 and small-group support to students with SEMH needs. • Build positive, trusting relationships with pupils. • Support students to engage in learning and achieve their individual targets. • Use behaviour management and de-escalation strategies effectively. • Help students develop emotional regulation, social skills and resilience. • Work collaboratively with teachers, families and external professionals. • Contribute to behaviour support plans and pupil progress reviews. • Promote safeguarding, wellbeing and positive outcomes for all learners. The Ideal Candidate Will Have • Experience working with children or young people, ideally within SEMH, SEND, Alternative Provision, youth work, care, sports coaching or mentoring. • A calm, patient and resilient approach. • Strong communication and relationship-building skills. • Confidence supporting pupils who may display challenging behaviour. • The ability to remain positive, flexible and solution-focused. • A genuine passion for helping vulnerable young people succeed. What We Offer • A supportive and experienced staff team. • Ongoing professional development and training. • Opportunities to develop behaviour, SEND and therapeutic practice skills. • A rewarding role where you can make a genuine impact every day. • A positive and inclusive working environment. SafeguardingThis role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and expect all staff to share this commitment. To apply, please submit your CV and a brief covering statement outlining your experience and suitability for the role. Every child deserves a champion. Could that be you? All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details. All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date. Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants. We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided. For details of our privacy policy, please visit the Teaching Personnel website.