SEMH Teaching Assistant

SEMH Teaching Assistant Some young people need someone who sees beyond the behaviour. Thrive Education is looking for a resilient, patient and emotionally intelligent Teaching Assistant to join an SEMH setting in Cheltenham, supporting young people who may have experienced significant barriers to learning and engagement. This is a full-time position with an ASAP start, working within a specialist SEMH environment where relationships, consistency and trust are at the heart of everything. The role This isn't simply about helping students complete their work. You'll be working alongside experienced staff to help young people regulate, re-engage and believe in themselves, often on the days when school feels like the hardest place to be. Your day could involve supporting learning in the classroom, helping a student manage challenging emotions, encouraging positive choices or simply being the consistent adult they know they can rely on. You'll need to be comfortable working in an environment where no two days are necessarily the same and where progress isn't always measured by grades. Sometimes, progress is getting through the door. Sometimes, it's completing a lesson. And sometimes, it's simply building enough trust for a young person to try again tomorrow. We're looking for someone who is: Calm, patient and emotionally resilient Able to build genuine, positive relationships with young people Confident managing challenging or unpredictable situations Consistent in their approach and able to maintain appropriate boundaries Understanding of the challenges faced by young people with SEMH needs A team player who is happy to work alongside teachers and specialist staff Adaptable and willing to go the extra mile for the young people they support Experienced working with children or young people — SEMH experience is highly desirable but not essential You don't necessarily need a specific qualification. For us, the right attitude, experience and approach are just as important. What you'll get from Thrive Education At Thrive, we understand education because we have education experience ourselves. We're not simply matching CVs to vacancies, we take the time to understand the people we work with and the settings we're placing them into. As a Thrive candidate, you'll benefit from: A dedicated consultant who actually knows you Competitive rates of pay Regular support throughout your placement Access to a range of local education opportunities Opportunities for longer-term and permanent positions A straightforward, honest approach to recruitment Ready to make a difference? If you're looking for a role where your ability to connect with young people matters just as much as your experience, we'd love to hear from you. This is an ASAP start, so don't wait to make your next move.