SEMH Teaching Assistant - Specialist Provision

This role isn’t easy — but it is incredibly rewarding. If you understand that challenging behaviour often comes from unmet needs… If you can stay calm, patient, and consistent when others might step back… And if you’re motivated by seeing real, hard-earned progress… Then this could be the role that truly makes a difference — for both you and the pupils you support. Protocol Education is working with a specialist SEMH provision in Darlington, looking for a confident and compassionate Teaching Assistant to join their team. What makes this role stand out? This isn’t about ticking boxes or sticking rigidly to lesson plans. It’s about: Building trusting relationships with pupils who may have struggled in mainstream settingsCreating a sense of stability, safety, and routineSupporting young people to re-engage with education at their own pace Here, every breakthrough matters — no matter how small it might seem. What your day could look like: Supporting pupils with social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needsHelping students manage emotions, de-escalate situations, and refocusWorking 1:1 or in small groups to support both learning and wellbeingCollaborating with teachers, pastoral staff, and external professionalsActing as a consistent, calm, and reliable presence throughout the day We’re looking for someone who: Has experience with SEMH, SEND, or challenging behaviour (school or alternative settings)Remains calm and patient, even in high-pressure situationsCan build strong, positive relationships with pupilsHas resilience, empathy, and a genuine passion for supporting young peopleBrings a sense of humour and perspective — every day is different! Why work with Protocol Education? Weekly PAYE pay — no umbrella companiesFree access to our CPD Academy (including SEMH-focused training)A dedicated consultant who supports you throughoutLong-term roles in specialist, supportive settingsOpportunities to develop skills in behaviour and pastoral support Important Information: All applicants must have (or be willing to obtain): An enhanced DBS check (with Update Service subscription)Relevant experience or qualifications for the role Protocol Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All candidates will be subject to safeguarding checks in line with DfE guidance, including an online search as part of our due diligence. This is a temporary role, with the potential to become permanent for the right candidate. Ready to make an impact where it really counts? If you’re looking for a role where you can genuinely change lives — and grow your own skills in the process — we’d love to hear from you. Apply today and be part of something meaningful All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQs on the Protocol Education website for further details. All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date. Protocol Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with the DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’, this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants. We offer FREE online safeguarding and Prevent Duty training to all our workers. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and subscribe to the DBS Update Service. Full assistance provided. For details of our privacy policy, please see visit the Protocol Education website.