Job Description

SEMH Teaching Assistant / Behaviour Mentor

Location: Enfield, North London
Pay: £100-£120 per day PAYE
Contract: Full-time, Long-term Supply
Duration: ASAP to July 2027
Start Date: ASAP
Hours: Standard School Hours

Introduction

Tradewind Recruitment is recruiting experienced Teaching Assistants, Behaviour Mentors and Learning Support Assistants to support pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs at a specialist secondary setting in Enfield.
This is a rewarding opportunity to work with young people aged 11-18 who require additional emotional, behavioural and pastoral support to re-engage with education and achieve positive outcomes. The school is looking for resilient, patient and consistent individuals who can build strong professional relationships and provide the structure and support pupils need to succeed.

About the School

This specialist provision supports pupils with SEMH needs and provides a structured environment focused on emotional wellbeing, personal development and academic progress.

School Highlights

  • Specialist setting supporting pupils aged 11-18 with SEMH needs
  • Strong pastoral and therapeutic approach to student support
  • Collaborative team environment with experienced teaching and support staff

Role Summary

You will work closely with teachers, behaviour specialists and pastoral staff to support pupils both inside and outside the classroom. The role focuses on encouraging positive engagement, emotional regulation and successful participation in education.

Key Responsibilities

  • Provide 1:1 and small-group support
  • Support pupils with SEMH and behavioural needs
  • Build positive and trusting relationships with young people
  • Support pupils who may have experienced trauma or disrupted educational experiences
  • Promote positive behaviour using appropriate strategies
  • Assist pupils with emotional regulation and resilience
  • Support access to learning across a range of subjects
  • Encourage engagement, attendance and positive outcomes
  • Promote social development and independence
  • Work closely with teaching and pastoral teams
  • Follow individual support plans, behaviour strategies and safeguarding procedures

Candidate Requirements

To be considered for this role, you must have previous experience supporting children or young people in a relevant setting.
Suitable backgrounds may include:
  • SEMH or specialist education
  • Alternative Provision
  • Mainstream schools
  • Youth work
  • Residential care
  • Children's support work
  • Mentoring or community-based support services
Experience in the following areas would be particularly beneficial:
  • SEMH and behavioural needs
  • Challenging behaviour support
  • Trauma-informed practice
  • Emotional regulation strategies
  • Positive behaviour support
  • De-escalation techniques
  • One-to-one mentoring
  • Alternative or specialist provisions
The successful candidate will be calm, resilient, patient and confident, with a genuine ability to build positive relationships while maintaining clear and appropriate boundaries.

Pay and Progression

This role offers £100-£120 per day PAYE, depending on experience.
The highest rate of £120 per day is typically available to candidates who can demonstrate substantial experience supporting pupils with SEMH needs, strong behaviour management and de-escalation skills, experience within specialist or alternative provisions, and the ability to work successfully with pupils presenting complex behavioural or emotional needs.

Why Apply?

Role Benefits

  • Long-term opportunity through to July 2027
  • Opportunity to make a genuine difference to young people's lives
  • Supportive team with specialist SEMH experience

Tradewind Recruitment Benefits

  • Competitive PAYE pay with no umbrella company fees
  • Dedicated specialist SEND consultant
  • £100 referral bonus for successful recommendations

Free National College CPD Access

As a Tradewind Recruitment candidate, you'll receive a free National College subscription.
Recommended courses for this role include:
  • Understanding and Supporting SEMH Needs
  • Effective Behaviour Management Strategies
  • Trauma-Informed Practice in Education

Required Vetting

Successful applicants will be required to complete standard vetting checks, including:
  • A DBS on the Update Service, or be prepared to make a new application
  • Professional references
  • Verification of relevant qualifications and experience

Why Tradewind Recruitment?

For over 20 years, Tradewind Recruitment has supported education professionals in finding rewarding opportunities across the UK. We provide expert guidance, ongoing support and access to long-term and permanent opportunities in schools and specialist provisions.
Call Tradewind Recruitment today and discover why thousands of educators have trusted us for over 20 years to help them find the right opportunities, in the right schools, with the support they deserve.