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SEMH Teaching Assistant - Alternative ProvisionLocation: Burgess Hill, West SussexHours: Full-Time, Term Time Only (Monday-Friday)Start Date: September start

We are seeking a resilient, compassionate, and proactive SEMH Teaching Assistant to join a specialist Alternative Provision in Burgess Hill. This rewarding role involves supporting pupils who face barriers to learning due to Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, trauma, behavioural challenges, and additional learning needs.

Working closely with teachers, pastoral staff, and external professionals, you will help create a safe, structured, and nurturing environment where young people can rebuild confidence, regulate emotions, and re-engage with education. Alternative Provision settings often support pupils who are unable to access mainstream education and require a more personalised approach to learning and wellbeing.

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with SEMH and behavioural needs.
• Build positive, trusting relationships with young people and act as a consistent role model.
• Support emotional regulation, resilience, and social skills development.
• Use de-escalation and behaviour support strategies to manage challenging situations safely.
• Assist with personalised learning plans, interventions, and classroom activities.
• Work collaboratively with teaching, pastoral, and safeguarding teams.
• Promote a positive, inclusive, and therapeutic learning environment.
• Support pupils both inside and outside the classroom to help them engage with education successfully.

• Full UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle.
• Ability to travel independently to Burgess Hill and, where required, accompany pupils on educational visits or off-site activities.
• Experience working with children or young people with SEMH needs, challenging behaviour, SEND, youth work, care, mentoring, sports coaching, or similar backgrounds.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Calm, patient, and resilient approach.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

• Experience within Alternative Provision, PRU, specialist education, residential care, or youth services.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed practice.
• Team Teach or positive behaviour support training.
• Level 2 or Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification.

• A supportive and experienced leadership team.
• Ongoing training and professional development.
• Opportunities to progress within SEND and Alternative Provision settings.
• A rewarding role where you can make a genuine difference to young people's lives every day.
• A welcoming, team-focused environment committed to pupil success and wellbeing.

If you are passionate about helping vulnerable young people overcome barriers to learning and achieve positive outcomes, we would love to hear from you.

Please submit your CV and a brief covering statement outlining your experience and suitability for the role.

Please note: Due to the location of the provision an