SEMH Learning Support Assistant

Job Description

LIFE Education Trust is opening a new independent special school to support pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. The Haefen, set in a beautiful open location, on farmland, with access to woodland and a private beach area, will create a nurturing, structured and inclusive learning environment where every young person feels safe, supported and able to achieve their full potential.

Our school will provide a highly supportive setting with small class sizes, a strong pastoral approach and a dedicated team committed to improving outcomes for children who may have experienced barriers to learning in mainstream education.

We are seeking dedicated, resilient and compassionate SEMH Learning Support Assistants to join our team. The successful candidates will support children with SEMH needs, helping them to access learning and thrive in our nurturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidates will:

Provide support to pupils with SEMH needs
Assist in delivering personalised learning plans that fully utilise the indoor and outdoor learning environments
Build positive nurturing relationships with children
Help create a safe, structured, and inspiring learning environment
Work collaboratively with teaching staff and external agencies to provide individualised support
Promote pupils' emotional wellbeing and inclusion across the school day
Deliver out-reach supported by colleagues

Essential Experience

The successful candidate will have:

Recent experience of supporting primary aged children with SEMH or other additional needs
A strong understanding of trauma informed and relational approaches

Desirable

It will be an advantage to have:

Experience working within an SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health) provision
Knowledge or experience of SEND paperwork and documentation

Personal Qualities

The successful candidate will be:

Resilient, calm and patient
Empathetic, with a passion for supporting young people
A team player with excellent communication skills
Committed to safeguarding and inclusion
Able to reflect on and adapt their practice
Able to start each day with a fresh positive attitude
They will also share our values of Courageous Optimism, Boundless Creativity and Heartfelt Compassion

What We Can Offer

The opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of children who have previously found school a challenging place to be
The chance to work in a fabulous location with direct access to beach and woodland areas
Opportunities for professional learning and specialist SEMH training
A supportive leadership team and a positive, inclusive working culture

Safeguarding

The Haefen is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and pre-employment checks.

Applications and Visits

We warmly welcome prospective applicants to visit us for an informal look around. It's a great opportunity to meet the team, see our setting, and get a real feel for what it will be like to work here.

Please complete all sections of the application form. Incomplete application forms will not be considered. If you require support to complete your application, then please do let us know.

Information about the School

LIFE Education Trust is opening a new independent special school to support pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. The Haefen, set in a beautiful open location, on farmland, with access to woodland and a private beach area, aims to create a nurturing, structured and inclusive learning environment where every young person feels safe, supported and able to achieve their full potential. Subject to DfE approval, we hope that this incredible school will be ready to welcome pupils in the Autumn Term.

We aim to inspire and nurture every child so that they can live, believe, and achieve their true potential.

All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.