Job Overview
The Derby High School in Bury, Greater Manchester is seeking to appoint a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (Social, Emotional and Mental Health). This role will work under the direction of the Assistant Headteacher SEND and aims to improve speech, language, and communication outcomes for students.
Recruitment: Start date September 2026. Hours: 35 hours per week, term time only plus 5 days. Contract: Permanent. Grade: 9 Pt 18 – Pt 23 (Full Time Equivalent).
Location and Contact
THE DERBY HIGH SCHOOL – SCIENCE AND ARTS COLLEGE
RADCLIFFE ROAD, BURY BL9 9NH. Tel: 0161 764 1819. Email: derby@bury.gov.uk
Qualifications and Experience
- Experience of working with students who have barriers to learning related to their social, emotional and mental health (SEMH), including an understanding of trauma‑informed approaches.
- Experience of working within a school environment (ideally Primary or Secondary sectors).
- Experience of planning and delivering targeted SEMH interventions, including those that support emotional regulation, resilience and self‑esteem.
- Ability to plan and deliver structured, adaptive work for small groups of students with diverse SEMH needs.
- Ability to build safe, trusting and consistent relationships with pupils to support engagement, behaviour for learning and emotional wellbeing.
- Ability to recognise and respond appropriately to dysregulated behaviour, using de‑escalation strategies and positive behaviour support approaches.
- Understanding of attachment‑aware practice and its impact on learning and behaviour.
- Ability to work effectively with parents and carers to provide guidance and consistency in strategies that support social, emotional and mental health.
- Commitment to promoting inclusion and removing barriers to learning for vulnerable learners.
- Excellent organisational, record‑keeping and communication skills, including the ability to contribute to support plans and reviews.
- Ability to work independently with initiative, while also contributing positively to a wider pastoral or inclusion team.
- Strong relationship‑building skills with pupils, staff and external professionals.
- Flexibility, resilience and adaptability when responding to the changing needs of students.
- Values that are aligned with The Derby’s vision and values. Inspired to Make a Difference.
Benefits and Working Environment
- A successful school with a strong will and determination to continue to improve.
- A school that has high expectations of all who work here.
- A school that places teaching and learning at the heart of school improvement.
- A school that is driven by strong values, invests in its staff and students and has a high regard for their welfare.
- A supportive and cooperative staff who are committed to their roles.
- A school that works effectively with all stakeholders.
- A caring school where you can make a real difference to the lives of young people.
- We will encourage you to be innovative and creative and provide professional development that will support you in your future career plans.
In line with our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our students, appointment will be subject to a full DBS check and references. Please note that in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2022 an online search will be carried out as part of our due diligence on shortlisted candidates.
To apply for this post, please download and complete the application form and provide a letter of application and email to Mrs S Silgram-Clynes, Headteacher’s PA at headteacherspa@thederbyhighschool.co.uk.
CLOSING DATE: Friday 10th July- 9:00AM
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