SEMH Teaching Assistant

About the role

Join our ambitious and inclusive school community

We are seeking a compassionate, flexible and enthusiastic SEMH Teaching Assistant to join our dedicated team and play a vital role in The Hive - our internal alternative provision base here at The Grange Academy. This post is for 30 hours per week, term time only.

The Hive is a nurturing and highly structured learning environment designed to support pupils who face a range of social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs. Many of our students in The Hive have Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and benefit from tailored support to help them thrive academically, socially and emotionally. This space provides a calm, consistent and highly personalised approach to learning, rooted in strong relationships, emotional regulation and high expectations.

As a member of The Hive team, you will work closely with experienced colleagues to create a safe, inclusive and engaging environment that meets the unique needs of each learner. You will need to be patient, resilient and creative in your approach, with the ability to build trust and respond effectively to pupils who may communicate through behaviour. Whether you are leading learning activities, providing emotional support, or helping to maintain daily routines, your work will make a significant difference to the lives of some of our most vulnerable children.

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a passionate and skilled team who work collaboratively to re-engage pupils with their learning and help them develop the confidence and skills they need for the next stage of their education.

What we’re looking for:

• A warm, nurturing and empathetic approach to supporting pupils with SEMH needs

• Experience working with children with additional needs, particularly those with EHCPs (desirable but not essential)

• The ability to stay calm and respond positively in challenging situations

• Strong communication and teamwork skills, with a willingness to collaborate closely with colleagues, families and external agencies

• A creative and flexible mindset, able to adapt plans and approaches to suit individual needs

• A commitment to promoting emotional regulation, wellbeing and inclusion

• High expectations for pupil engagement, behaviour and personal development

• An understanding of trauma-informed or therapeutic approaches to behaviour (or a willingness to learn)

• A reflective attitude and a desire to make a genuine difference in the lives of vulnerable learners

• Reliability, consistency and a strong sense of professional responsibility

What we offer:

• A supportive, passionate and experienced team committed to inclusion and pupil wellbeing

• Ongoing professional development, including training in SEMH, trauma-informed practice and therapeutic approaches

• A chance to make a tangible difference to the lives of children who need it most

• Regular supervision and guidance to support your professional growth and emotional wellbeing

• A school culture that values care, creativity, teamwork and high expectations

• Close collaboration with skilled teachers, therapists and external professionals

• A welcoming and inclusive environment where every member of staff is valued

• Opportunities to contribute to the development of our provision and the wider life of the school

• A rewarding and varied role, where no two days are ever the same

About The Grange Academy:

At The Grange Academy, our motto is 'Learning for Life', which underpins everything we do. We focus on developing pupils' critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and the skills necessary to adapt in an ever-changing world. Our curriculum is designed to not only foster academic success but also promote lifelong learning, responsibility, and ethical decision-making. We aim to equip our pupils with the confidence and resilience they need to thrive in the future, helping them grow into responsible, curious, and resourceful citizens. Therapeutic Thinking shapes our relationships with students and ensures a positive, supportive learning environment. As part of the Agora Learning Partnership, we benefit from excellent school improvement support, including participation in Peer Reviews and collaboration with experienced schools across the Trust. Our commitment to the Agora values – Ambition, Generosity, Optimism, Respect, and Adventurousness – shapes everything we do. Our vibrant school community is supported by initiatives such as the Eco Warriors, School Council, House Captains and a focus on sustainability and wellbeing. Furthermore, pupils are given specialist teaching in music and sports every week, including a range of fantastic extra-curricular opportunities.

The school is committed to safeguarding children and young people. All posts are subject to satisfactory references and a Disclosing and Barring check. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare all unspent cautions and convictions; and also, any adult cautions (simple or conditional), and spent convictions that are not protected as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2020).