Cover People, Manchester are hiring!

Teaching Assistant / Sports Coach – Secondary SEMH School – Central Manchester

The Role

Cover People are looking for an enthusiastic Teaching Assistant / Sports Coach to join a specialist secondary SEMH school in Central Manchester.

• Role: Teaching Assistant / Sports Coach (for enrichment and intervention)
• Start Date: September 2026
• Daily Rate: £100–£120 DOE, paid PAYE
• Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30am–3:30pm
• Contract: Full-time, long-term
• Setting: Small secondary school for children with SEMH needs.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who loves sport and wants to use it to make a real difference to young people with SEMH needs.

You''ll be working with pupils aged 11–16 in a specialist setting that places a strong emphasis on emotional wellbeing, confidence, independence and helping young people overcome previous barriers to education. The school offers a broad curriculum alongside vocational and enrichment opportunities, with sport, outdoor education and practical activities playing an important role in developing teamwork, resilience and self-esteem.

What You''ll Get from Cover People

• £100–£120 per day, paid PAYE.
• Weekly pay with holiday pay accrued.
• Dedicated SEND consultant with 14+ years'' local experience.
• Access to a wide range of specialist schools and alternative provisions across Greater Manchester.
• Full-time, long-term and temp-to-perm opportunities.
• Free Safeguarding, Prevent & Cyber Security training.
• Ongoing support throughout your placement.
• Valuable experience working with SEMH and SEND pupils.
• The chance to turn your passion for sport into a rewarding career in education.

Why Join This School?

• Work in a specialist secondary SEMH setting supporting pupils aged 11–16.
• A nurturing environment where emotional wellbeing is seen as key to academic success.
• Personalised learning designed around individual needs, strengths and interests.
• A broad curriculum with vocational, outdoor education and enrichment opportunities.
• Strong focus on developing confidence, independence, resilience and preparation for life beyond school.
• Central Manchester location with easy access to train and tram stations, making it an excellent option for candidates travelling by public transport.

About the Role – Teaching Assistant / Sports Coach

As a Teaching Assistant focusing on Sports Intervention & Enrichment, you''ll use sport and physical activity to engage pupils, build confidence and support their wider development.

You will:

• Support class teacher in the delivery of lessons and behaviour management.
• Deal with behaviour in communal areas.
• Lead and support PE, sports and physical activity sessions.
• Use sport to develop teamwork, resilience and positive relationships.
• Encourage participation and help pupils build confidence.
• Support behaviour, emotional regulation and engagement.
• Provide 1:1 and small-group support where required.
• Support classroom learning when needed.
• Adapt activities to meet individual pupils'' needs.

What We''re Looking For

We''re looking for someone who is passionate about sport, confident working with young people and able to build positive relationships with pupils who may have SEMH needs or challenging behaviour.

You don''t need to be a qualified teacher. We''re open to Sports Coaches, Sports Graduates, Teaching Assistants, Youth Workers and candidates with relevant experience who are patient, resilient, enthusiastic and keen to make a difference.

Requirements

• A CV with full education and employment history.
• Minimum 3 months'' verifiable experience supporting young people.
• Right to work in the UK.
• Valid photo ID and proof of address.
• Enhanced DBS on the Update Service, or willingness to apply.
• Minimum of 2 professional references covering the last 2 years.
• Positive, consistent and resilient approach.
• Genuine enthusiasm for sport and supporting young people.
• Overseas police certificate, if applicable.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you''re a Sports Coach, Sports Graduate, Teaching Assistant, Youth Worker or similar looking for a rewarding role where you can use sport to make a genuine difference, we''d love to hear from you.

To apply for this Central Manchester based Sports Coach / TA role, contact Graham Warner at Cover People Manchester on (phone number removed), email (url removed) or click APPLY below.

To be put forward for this role you will need to register with Cover People and provide the appropriate references and documents. All work is subject to successfully passing Cover People''s compliance checks.