SEMH Teaching Assistant

I am recruiting for a specialist school for children and young people aged 5 to 19 with social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs. The school provides a safe and supportive environment where every student is encouraged to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

About the role

As a Teaching Assistant at Nightingale Community Academy, your role is to support students with special educational needs and challenging behaviors in a compassionate and structured environment.

Responsibilities include:

• Assisting teachers in planning and delivering engaging lessons tailored to individual learning needs.
• Providing 1:1 and small group support to students, ensuring they stay on task and achieve their potential.
• Implementing behaviour management strategies to foster a positive and productive classroom environment.
• Supporting students' social and emotional development by encouraging positive interactions and promoting self-esteem.
• Helping to prepare classroom materials and maintain a safe and organized learning environment.
• Liaising with teachers, parents, and external professionals to contribute to students' education plans and progress reviews.
• Accompanying students on educational trips and outdoor learning activities.
• Monitoring and recording student progress to inform teaching strategies and interventions.

About the school

Their facilities include purpose-built primary classrooms with outdoor adventure spaces, a broad secondary and post-16 curriculum featuring vocational courses such as motor vehicle studies, construction, horticulture, and hospitality, and access to regular animal therapy. They are proud of the tailored support they offer to help each student achieve their goals.

Requirements

To be considered for the role of SEMH Teaching Assistant you will:

• • Have a passion to teach outside of a mainstream environment, and a commitment to experience the unique opportunities of a special school
• • An ability to work as part of a team and flexible approach to support this school requirements
• • Have experience in Special Needs School settings
• • Have a kind, caring, and compassionate nature which is used to plan and deliver inclusive, fun, and inspiring lessons

Salary is dependent on experience, training or qualifications. The minimum experience, training or qualifications required for this position are:

• • Have experience in Special Needs School settings

Smart Teachers is committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults. We take our responsibilities extremely seriously. All staff we register will undertake thorough interviewing and referencing checks and hold, or be prepared to undergo, an Enhanced DBS check that must be registered on the Update Service.

About Smart Teachers

Smart Teachers is a market-leading education recruitment and supply agency committed to the learning and development of young people. With branches across the country, we are an employer of choice for high-quality primary, secondary and SEND teaching and support staff.

What Smart Teachers offer

As a valued employee of Smart Teachers, you will receive:

• Excellent daily rates paid weekly by our in-house Payroll team using the Pay As You Earn (PAYE) system.
• Guaranteed pay scheme (subject to availability and qualifying criteria).
• Pension contributions (subject to a qualifying period).
• Full compliance with AWR (Agency Workers’ Regulations), to make sure you get the pay and working conditions you are entitled to.
• FREE training to help with your professional development such as Team Teach training, online webinars and safeguarding and child protection updates.
• Generous refer a friend or colleague bonus scheme.
• Access to a dedicated consultant, who will provide ongoing support.

Smart Teachers do not discriminate on the grounds of age, gender, race, colour, religion, disability or sexual orientation, and we welcome applications from all sections of the community.

How to apply

Apply via this website with an up-to-date CV and contact details. For more information, or an informal chat about the role, please call Martyna Kania on 020 7065 7522 or email Martyna.Kania@smartteachers.co.uk.