Job Description

SEMH Teaching Assistant

Location: Exeter, Devon

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30am–4:15pm

Start Date: 9th November 2026

Contract: Full-time, term-time only – temporary to permanent opportunity

Pay: £116 per day

Are you an experienced Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant or SEN professional looking for a rewarding role where building relationships and supporting young people to reach their potential are at the heart of what you do?

We are recruiting for an SEMH Teaching Assistant to support three key students with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs within a supportive and engaging alternative education setting in Exeter.

This role offers a great balance between supporting core academic learning and promoting personal development. You'll play an important role in helping students engage with their education, build confidence, develop emotional regulation and gain the skills they need to become more independent.

The role will initially be temporary, with the school looking for the successful candidate to transition into a permanent position. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone looking to build a long-term future within a setting where relationships, consistency and teamwork are key.

The Role

As an SEMH Teaching Assistant, you will:

• Support three key students with their core learning and personal development.
• Help students engage with their education and make progress towards their individual goals.
• Build positive, trusting relationships and provide consistent support.
• Encourage confidence, resilience, emotional regulation and independence.
• Support positive behaviour through calm, consistent and relationship-based approaches.
• Assist with practical learning, enrichment and activities within the wider community.
• Work collaboratively with teachers and colleagues to provide consistent support.
• Communicate effectively with the wider team regarding students' progress and individual needs.
• Complete basic records and contribute to ongoing student support.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for someone who is resilient, patient and genuinely passionate about supporting young people with additional needs. The school is particularly keen to hear from candidates with previous SEN experience who can work effectively as part of a team and remain calm and consistent in challenging situations.

You may have experience as a:

Teaching Assistant | SEN TA | Learning Support Assistant | Youth Worker | Behaviour Support Worker | Sports Coach | Care Worker

Previous experience working with SEN or SEMH is essential for this opportunity, alongside a positive attitude and a genuine commitment to helping young people achieve their potential.

You will need:

• Previous experience supporting children or young people with SEN.
• A resilient, patient and positive approach.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• The ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• The confidence to support young people who may display challenging behaviour.
• A genuine commitment to supporting students' learning, development and independence.
• GCSE Grade 4 or above in English and Maths – essential.
• A full UK driving licence – essential. Access to your own vehicle is not necessarily required.

The Benefits of Joining Long-term Teachers

• If you're looking for a long-term or permanent role, we're the only specialist agency dedicated to finding you your next role.
• Exclusive access to permanent roles you won't find with supply agencies.
• A £200 welcome bonus for qualified Teachers joining from another agency.
• £150 'refer a friend' reward once they complete 10 days of work.
• The choice between PAYE or Umbrella PAYE.
• Access to a guaranteed pay scheme, subject to eligibility.
• Interview preparation and expert advice.
• A dedicated team to guide you through your onboarding.
• Free professional development courses to enhance your skills and knowledge.

Long-term Teachers are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants will be subject to appropriate safeguarding and pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check and relevant references.

If you're looking for your next role in education and have the resilience, teamwork skills and SEN experience to make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today.