Teaching Assistant / SEMH Mentor

Location: Ipswich, Suffolk (IP4) Job Type: Permanent | Full-Time & Part-Time Opportunities Start Date: ASAP Salary: £13,017 – £22,562 per annum (actual term-time salary, depending on hours and experience) Recruitment Agency: TeacherActive

Job Description

TeacherActive is currently recruiting for TWO permanent Teaching Assistants to join a specialist primary SEMH school in Ipswich (IP4).

This specialist provision supports vulnerable primary-aged children with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), and challenging behaviour.

Many pupils have struggled within mainstream education or are at risk of permanent exclusion. The school provides a supportive, structured environment where children can rebuild their confidence, develop positive relationships and re-engage with learning.

We are looking for patient, resilient and enthusiastic Teaching Assistants who are passionate about supporting children with additional needs and making a genuine difference to their lives.

Available Positions

Position 1 – Full-Time Teaching Assistant

Monday to Friday – 37 hours per week

Permanent, term-time only (39 weeks)

Actual salary: £21,694 – £22,562 per annum

Full-time equivalent: £25,000 – £26,000

Position 2 – Part-Time Teaching Assistant

Monday to Wednesday – approximately 22.2 hours per week

Permanent, term-time only (39 weeks)

Actual salary: £13,017 – £13,537 per annum (estimated pro-rata)

Full-time equivalent: £25,000 – £26,000

Both positions offer an immediate start, subject to the successful completion of safeguarding and compliance checks.

The Role

As a SEND/SEMH Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with teachers and support staff to provide a safe, positive and engaging learning environment.

Your responsibilities will include:

Providing 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with SEMH and additional learning needs.

Supporting children with challenging behaviour, emotional regulation and social difficulties.

Using positive behaviour management and de-escalation strategies.

Building trusting relationships with vulnerable pupils who may have experienced difficulties in mainstream education.

Supporting the class teacher in delivering engaging, differentiated learning activities.

Following individual education plans (IEPs) and behaviour support plans.

Encouraging pupils to develop independence, resilience and confidence.

Helping children develop positive communication and social skills.

Working collaboratively with teachers, SENCOs and other education professionals.

Maintaining high safeguarding standards and promoting pupil wellbeing.

The Ideal Candidate

We are particularly interested in candidates who have:

Previous experience supporting children with SEMH, SEND, autism, ADHD or challenging behaviour.

Experience working in primary schools, specialist SEND schools, alternative provisions or Pupil Referral Units (PRUs).

Strong behaviour management and de-escalation skills.

A calm, patient and understanding approach.

Confidence supporting pupils who may display dysregulated or challenging behaviour.

Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

A good understanding of safeguarding and child protection.

A genuine passion for supporting vulnerable children.

An Enhanced Child Workforce DBS registered on the Update Service would be advantageous, although candidates requiring a new DBS are still encouraged to apply.

Why Apply?

Permanent employment within a specialist primary SEMH setting.

Competitive term-time-only salaries.

Full-time and part-time working patterns available.

Opportunity to build meaningful relationships with pupils.

Valuable experience supporting children with complex SEMH and SEND needs.

Opportunities to develop your career within specialist education and behaviour support.

A rewarding role where you can make a genuine difference every day.

How to Apply

If you are an experienced Teaching Assistant, SEND Learning Support Assistant, Behaviour Mentor or Support Worker looking for a rewarding permanent position in Ipswich, we would love to hear from you!

Apply today with your most up-to-date CV and indicate whether you are interested in the full-time or part-time position.

A TeacherActive consultant will be in touch to discuss your experience and the next steps.

Referral Bonus: Know someone who would be perfect for this opportunity? TeacherActive offers a £100 Amazon voucher for successful referrals, subject to the scheme's terms.

TeacherActive is an equal opportunities employer and operates as an employment agency and employment business. All successful applicants will be subject to relevant safeguarding and recruitment checks.

About TeacherActive

TeacherActive is one of the UK’s leading education recruitment agencies, with over 20 years of experience supporting schools and education professionals. We place teachers and support staff into a wide range of temporary, contract and permanent roles, helping candidates find rewarding opportunities that suit their experience, availability and career goals. We pride ourselves on providing an excellent service to both our schools and candidates.

Equal Opportunities Statement

TeacherActive is an equal opportunities employer and operates as an Employment Business and Employment Agency in providing temporary, contract and permanent job seeking services.

Safeguarding and DBS Compliance

TeacherActive is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Safeguarding is central to our recruitment practices, and we expect all applicants to share this commitment. All applicants are subject to thorough vetting and safer recruitment checks before being cleared to work