SEMH & Behaviour Mentor - Primary

SEMH & Behaviour Mentor - Primary

Location: Thurrock, Essex
Contract: Full-time, Long-Term
Start Date: September 2026

Are you passionate about supporting children with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs and helping them overcome barriers to learning?

Tradewind Recruitment are currently seeking a dedicated and experienced SEMH & Behaviour Mentor to join a primary school in Thurrock. This is an excellent opportunity for someone committed to supporting children who may require additional support with behaviour, emotional regulation, confidence and engagement with education.

The successful candidate will play an important role within the school, building positive and professional relationships with pupils and helping them develop the skills they need to succeed both socially and academically.

The Role

As an SEMH & Behaviour Mentor, you will provide targeted support to pupils who may experience difficulties with behaviour, emotional regulation, social interaction or engagement with learning.

You will work closely with teachers, the SENCO and wider pastoral team to provide consistent and supportive intervention, helping pupils to manage their emotions, make positive choices and develop confidence within the school environment.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Providing 1:1 and small-group support for pupils with SEMH and behavioural needs.
• Building positive and professional relationships with pupils and acting as a consistent role model.
• Supporting children to understand and regulate their emotions.
• Helping pupils develop positive strategies for managing their behaviour.
• Supporting children who may display challenging or dysregulated behaviour.
• Using appropriate de-escalation and behaviour support strategies.
• Helping pupils overcome barriers to learning and engage positively with education.
• Supporting pupils to develop confidence, resilience, independence and self-esteem.
• Working closely with teachers, the SENCO and pastoral team to identify individual needs and provide appropriate support.
• Supporting pupils both inside and outside the classroom, including during less structured parts of the school day.
• Encouraging positive relationships and interactions between pupils.
• Monitoring and recording behaviour, interventions and pupil progress where required.
• Contributing to a safe, inclusive and supportive school environment.

About You

The successful candidate will ideally have experience working with primary-aged children with SEMH, behavioural or additional learning needs.

You may have previous experience as a:

• SEMH Mentor
• Behaviour Mentor
• Learning Mentor
• Teaching Assistant
• SEN Teaching Assistant
• Pastoral Support Worker
• Youth Worker
• Family Support Worker
• Support Worker
• Residential Support Worker
• Sports Coach or a similar role

Experience within a primary school environment would be beneficial; however, candidates with relevant transferable experience supporting children and young people will also be considered.

You will demonstrate a calm, patient and consistent approach, with the ability to remain professional when supporting children who may present with challenging behaviour.

Most importantly, you will be able to build positive relationships with children while maintaining clear and consistent boundaries.

Experience of SEMH, behaviour support, emotional regulation, restorative approaches, de-escalation techniques or safeguarding would be advantageous.

Why Work with Tradewind Recruitment?

At Tradewind Recruitment, we pride ourselves on putting our candidates first. We are a Sunday Times Top 100 Employer, reflecting our commitment to supporting our people and providing an excellent working environment.

When you work with Tradewind, you'll benefit from:

• Competitive daily rates of pay
• A dedicated specialist consultant who will support you throughout your placement
• Access to a wide range of education opportunities across Essex and Suffolk
• Free access to CPD and online training
• Excellent opportunities for long-term and permanent positions
• PAYE with no umbrella company required
• Regular support and communication from your dedicated consultant
• Access to our candidate referral scheme
• A recruitment agency with specialist knowledge of the education sector

Why Tradewind?

We don't just place you in a school and leave you to it. Our consultants work with you throughout your assignment, helping you find the right opportunities, providing ongoing support and ensuring you always have someone to turn to when needed.

If you're an experienced SEMH Mentor, Behaviour Mentor, Learning Mentor, Teaching Assistant or education professional looking for your next opportunity in Thurrock, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today with Tradewind Recruitment and take the next step in your education career.

Safeguarding Statement

Tradewind Recruitment is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to satisfactory enhanced DBS checks, references and any other safeguarding and compliance requirements in accordance with statutory guidance.

Equal Opportunities Statement

Tradewind Recruitment is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants.