SEMH Teaching Assistant – Specialist School

Location: Portsmouth
Pay: £88–£100 per day, depending on experience
Start Date: September 2026
Hours: 08:30–15:30
Contract: Long-Term | Potential Permanent Opportunity

Supply Desk is recruiting for an SEMH Teaching Assistant to join a well-established specialist school in Portsmouth.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a calm, resilient and compassionate Teaching Assistant who is passionate about supporting young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.

The school provides specialist education and alternative provision for pupils who may have struggled within mainstream settings. The focus is on building positive relationships, supporting emotional wellbeing and helping students overcome barriers to learning.

As an SEMH Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with teachers and the wider pastoral team to provide consistent, individualised support both in and outside the classroom.

You will help students to manage their emotions, develop positive behaviours and engage with their learning in a safe and supportive environment.

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with SEMH needs.

• Support students with emotional regulation and behaviour.

• Build positive and trusting relationships with pupils.

• Assist teachers with classroom learning and activities.

• Encourage independence, confidence and positive learning behaviours.

• Support individual behaviour and learning plans.

• Work closely with teachers, SEND staff and pastoral teams.

• Promote safeguarding, inclusion and student wellbeing.

• Specialist provision supporting pupils with SEMH and additional needs.

• Small-group and personalised learning.

• Strong focus on relationships, wellbeing and emotional development.

• Experienced pastoral and safeguarding teams.

• Opportunities to work alongside experienced SEND professionals.

• Ongoing training and professional development.

• Experience supporting children or young people in education, care, coaching or similar settings.

• An understanding of SEMH, SEND or behaviour support.

• A calm, patient and consistent approach.

• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.

• Resilience when dealing with challenging situations.

• A genuine passion for supporting young people.

• Enhanced DBS on the Update Service, or willingness to obtain one.

• £88–£100 per day, depending on experience.

• Long-term opportunity with potential to become permanent.

• Dedicated consultant support throughout your placement.

• Access to CPD and training, including SEMH, behaviour and safeguarding.

• Opportunity to build valuable specialist SEND experience.

• Refer a Friend Scheme – earn up to £150 for successful referrals.

If you''re looking for a rewarding role where you can make a genuine difference to young people''s lives, we''d love to hear from you.

Apply with Supply Desk today or get in touch with our Hampshire team to find out more about this SEMH Teaching Assistant opportunity in Portsmouth.