SEMH Teaching Assistant | Sunderland | Full Time

Location: Sunderland
Job Type: Full Time, Term Time Only
Start Date: September 2026
Working Hours: Monday to Friday, school hours
Pay: £98–£120 per day, depending on experience

Could you be the positive role model a young person needs?

Protocol Education are working with a specialist setting in Sunderland that is looking for a dedicated SEMH Teaching Assistant to join their team on a full-time basis.

This role would suit someone who understands that behaviour is often a form of communication and who can remain calm, consistent and supportive when working with pupils who may experience social, emotional and mental health needs.

You don't necessarily need to have worked in a school before. Experience in youth work, care, sports coaching, residential support, mentoring or similar environments could be highly relevant.

What will you be doing?

As an SEMH Teaching Assistant, you will help pupils overcome barriers to learning and develop the skills they need to succeed both inside and outside the classroom.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting pupils with SEMH and behavioural needs
• Building strong, trusting relationships with pupils
• Acting as a positive and consistent role model
• Providing 1:1 and small-group support
• Encouraging engagement with learning
• Supporting pupils with emotional regulation
• Helping pupils manage difficult situations appropriately
• Using positive behaviour strategies
• Supporting classroom routines and transitions
• Working closely with teachers and pastoral staff
• Encouraging independence, resilience and confidence
• Helping pupils recognise and celebrate their progress

You may occasionally be required to support pupils who display challenging behaviour, so confidence, patience and emotional resilience are essential.

Who are we looking for?

This could be an excellent opportunity for someone with experience as a:

• Teaching Assistant
• Behaviour Mentor
• Youth Worker
• Sports Coach
• Support Worker
• Residential Support Worker
• Learning Mentor
• SEN Support Worker

Previous SEMH experience would be advantageous but isn't essential.

You will need to be someone who is:

• Calm and patient
• Confident and consistent
• Naturally encouraging
• Resilient and emotionally mature
• Able to build relationships with challenging learners
• Passionate about helping young people succeed

What Protocol Education offers:

• Competitive daily pay
• Weekly PAYE pay
• FREE CPD and online training
• Dedicated consultant support
• Long-term opportunities
• Permanent opportunities where available
• £50 Refer a Friend bonus

If you're passionate about helping young people overcome barriers and believe you could be a positive influence in their lives, apply today.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQs on the Protocol Education website for further 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.

Protocol Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with the 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 FREE online safeguarding and Prevent Duty training to all our workers. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and subscribe to the DBS Update Service.

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