Location: Burgess Hill
Hours: Monday – Friday
Pay: Competitive (dependent on experience)
Start Date: ASAP – continuing into September and beyond
We are looking for a resilient, compassionate, and enthusiastic Teaching Assistant to join the secondary team within a supportive alternative provision setting in Burgess Hill.
This is a rewarding opportunity to work with secondary-aged students who have experienced barriers within mainstream education and require a different approach to help them re-engage, rebuild confidence, and reach their potential.
The students you will support may present with SEMH needs, including challenges around emotional regulation, anxiety, low self-esteem, and mental health. Some students may display challenging behaviour, test boundaries, or find it difficult to trust adults due to previous experiences. The successful candidate will understand that building positive relationships takes time and will be committed to providing consistent, patient, and supportive guidance.
This role is ideal for someone who enjoys developing meaningful relationships with young people and wants to make a genuine difference in their educational journey.
Support secondary-aged students with SEMH needs within the classroom and wider provision
Build strong, trusting relationships with students who may have had negative experiences of education
Support students who have been excluded from mainstream settings to re-engage with learning
Encourage participation, motivation, and a positive attitude towards education
Help students develop confidence, independence, and self-belief
Support students with emotional regulation and managing challenging situations
Provide a calm, consistent, and positive presence throughout the school day
Encourage students to recognise their strengths and celebrate progress
Support learning activities and help students access the curriculum
Use positive behaviour strategies and help students understand boundaries
Work collaboratively with teachers and the wider support team
Contribute to creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment
We are looking for someone who is passionate about supporting young people and understands that every student’s journey is different.
The ideal candidate will have:
Experience supporting children or young people with SEND, SEMH, or behavioural needs
Experience working with challenging behaviour and understanding the reasons behind behaviour
The patience and resilience to support students who may initially test boundaries
A calm and consistent approach
Strong communication and relationship-building skills
The ability to motivate and encourage students who may have lost confidence in education
A genuine passion for helping young people overcome barriers and succeed
Experience within an alternative provision, SEMH school, youth work, care, mentoring, or similar environment would be highly beneficial, but the right attitude and approach are equally important.
This is a truly rewarding role where you can make a lasting impact on young people’s lives.
You will be joining a supportive and experienced team who understand the importance of relationships, trust, and consistency. You will have the opportunity to support students who may have struggled in mainstream education and help them rediscover confidence, develop skills, and begin to enjoy learning again.
For the right person, this is more than just a Teaching Assistant role — it is an opportunity to change outcomes for young people and be part of their journey towards a brighter future.
Apply for Secondary SEMH Teaching Assistant
