Pastoral Teaching Assistant (SEMH)

A dynamic and supportive specialist SEMH secondary setting is looking for a proactive, emotionally intelligent and resilient SEMH / Behaviour Teaching Assistant. This role is ideal for someone with a pastoral background, youth work experience, or a passion for supporting teenagers who may struggle with behaviour, regulation and engagement in education.

In this hands-on, relationship-focused position, you will:

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• Build strong, authentic relationships with pupils aged 11–16 to help them feel safe, understood and motivated
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• Provide 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with SEMH needs, behavioural challenges or complex backgrounds
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• Act as a positive role model, mentor and consistent adult presence
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• Use de-escalation strategies, clear boundaries and restorative approaches
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• Support pupils with emotional regulation, resilience, coping strategies and self-esteem
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• Help pupils access learning, manage routines and navigate difficult moments
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• Work closely with pastoral teams, behaviour leads and external agencies
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• Assist with behaviour plans, wellbeing support and targeted interventions
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You’ll be a strong match for this role if you:

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• Have experience in youth work, mentoring, SEMH/behaviour support or similar
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• Are calm, patient and emotionally resilient with a natural ability to build rapport with teenagers
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• Can remain consistent, reliable and confident when faced with challenging behaviour
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• Understand (or are keen to learn) trauma-informed practice, restorative work and de-escalation techniques
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• Are able to maintain strong professional boundaries and model positive behaviour
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• Want to help young people feel valued, supported and capable of success
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• Excellent pastoral and wellbeing support for staff and pupils
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• Ongoing training in SEMH, trauma-informed practice, de-escalation and mentoring
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• A tight-knit, supportive team who genuinely care
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• Opportunities for progression into pastoral, behaviour or safeguarding roles
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• The chance to make a significant impact on young people who need a positive adult more than most
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Apply now or contact your local Reed office and ask to speak with Sophie Lamont in our education team.