Pastoral Teaching Assistant (SEMH)

Company: Reed
Apply for the Pastoral Teaching Assistant (SEMH)
Location: Ipswich
Job Description:

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.

About the Role

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

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

About You

You’ll be a strong match for this role if you:

  • Have experience in youth work, mentoring, SEMH/behaviour support or similar
  • Are calm, patient and emotionally resilient with a natural ability to build rapport with teenagers
  • Can remain consistent, reliable and confident when faced with challenging behaviour
  • Understand (or are keen to learn) trauma‑informed practice, restorative work and de‑escalation techniques
  • Are able to maintain strong professional boundaries and model positive behaviour
  • Want to help young people feel valued, supported and capable of success

Why Join This Secondary SEMH Setting?

  • Excellent pastoral and wellbeing support for staff and pupils
  • Ongoing training in SEMH, trauma‑informed practice, de‑escalation and mentoring
  • A tight‑knit, supportive team who genuinely care
  • Opportunities for progression into pastoral, behaviour or safeguarding roles
  • The chance to make a significant impact on young people who need a positive adult more than most

Apply now or contact your local Reed office and ask to speak with Sophie Lamont in our education team.

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Posted: July 8th, 2026