SEMH Teaching Assistant
| Company: | Teaching Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Salary: | Not specified |
| Hours: | Part-time |
| Location: | Keighley, BD21 1JF |
| Job type: | Contract |
| Posting date: | 18 Sept 2026 |
| Closing date: | 2 Oct 2026 |
Summary
What skills and experience we're looking for
Hours of Work - 28 hours per week: Term time only
Monday - Friday 8:45am - 3:00pm (Actual Salary £16,208 - £16,988) - Fixed term contact until August 2027, due to being linked to a specific child.
We are looking for a caring, patient and resilient SEMH Teaching Assistant to join our dedicated team and provide individualised support to a pupil in Year 6.
This is a rewarding opportunity for someone who understands that children’s behaviour is often a form of communication and who can build a trusting, positive relationship with a child who may experience difficulties with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH).
The successful candidate will work closely with the class teacher, SENCO and wider school team to support the pupil to feel safe, valued and ready to learn, whilst helping them to develop greater independence, confidence and emotional regulation.
The role will include:
• Providing 1:1 support for a Year 6 pupil throughout the school day.
• Building a positive, trusting and consistent relationship with the pupil.
• Supporting the pupil to manage emotions, regulate their behaviour and develop appropriate strategies for coping with challenges.
• Encouraging engagement in learning and helping the pupil to access the curriculum.
• Supporting positive behaviour and following agreed strategies and individual plans.
• Helping the pupil develop their social skills, confidence and independence.
• Working closely with the class teacher, SENCO and other professionals to ensure consistency of support.
• Supporting the pupil during less structured times, such as break and lunchtime, where appropriate.
We are looking for someone who:
• Is calm, patient, compassionate and emotionally resilient.
• Has experience of, or a strong interest in, supporting children with SEMH needs.
• Can establish positive relationships whilst maintaining clear and consistent boundaries.
• Understands the importance of consistency, routine and positive reinforcement.
• Is able to remain calm and professional when faced with challenging situations.
• Has high expectations of children and believes passionately in their ability to succeed.
• Can work effectively as part of a team and communicate well with colleagues and families.
• Is enthusiastic, reliable and committed to supporting the whole child.
Experience of working with children with SEMH needs is desirable, but we would also welcome applications from individuals who have the right qualities, attitude and commitment and are keen to develop their skills.
What we can offer:
• A welcoming and supportive school environment.
• A dedicated and committed staff team.
• The opportunity to make a genuine difference to a child’s life and educational experience.
• Support and professional development to help you grow in your role.
• A rewarding opportunity to develop your experience in supporting children with additional needs.
If you are someone who can see beyond the behaviour, build meaningful relationships and help a child recognise their own strengths and potential, we would love to hear from you.
What the school offers its staff
What we can offer:
• A welcoming and supportive school environment.
• A dedicated and committed staff team.
• The opportunity to make a genuine difference to a child’s life and educational experience.
• Support and professional development to help you grow in your role.
• A rewarding opportunity to develop your experience in supporting children with additional needs.
Further details about the role
Holycroft Primary School is part of the Northern Star Academies Trust. The school is situated in the centre of Keighley and works very closely with its community. Children are central to everything we do and staff, and parents and the wider community work together to ensure the highest quality provision for all our pupils.
Northern Star Academies Trust is a thriving family of 15 schools, serving the communities of Keighley, Bradford, Skipton, and Harrogate. Our vision is rooted in our core values: Nurture, Sustain, Aspire, and Thrive. Together, we work tirelessly to create environments where children and staff alike can flourish.
How to Apply
To apply to work with Northern Star Academies Trust, please complete your candidate profile via the Every Portal. If you are accessing our Every portal for the first time, you will need to register to add and save your candidate profile information, before adding your profile to this vacancy.
Closing date: Friday 2nd October 2026 at Midnight
Interview date: to be confirmed
Commitment to safeguarding
Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment. Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance. Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant): childcare disqualification Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) medical online and social media prohibition from teaching right to work satisfactory references suitability to work with children You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.