Job Description:

SEMH Teaching Assistant - Colchester

Location: Colchester, Essex
Start Date: September 2026
Salary: Competitive daily rate

Do you have the resilience, patience and commitment to help young people overcome barriers to learning?

Tradewind Recruitment is working with a supportive specialist setting in Colchester seeking a dedicated SEMH Teaching Assistant to join their team. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who is passionate about making a lasting difference to the lives of children and young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.

Every day presents new challenges, but also the opportunity to build trusting relationships, celebrate progress and help pupils achieve success both inside and outside the classroom.

Working alongside experienced teachers and pastoral staff, you will:

• Support pupils with SEMH needs on a one-to-one basis and in small groups.
• Help students regulate their emotions and develop positive coping strategies.
• Build strong, consistent relationships that encourage engagement and trust.
• Promote positive behaviour through encouragement, structure and clear expectations.
• Support learning across a range of curriculum subjects.
• Work closely with the wider school team to ensure every pupil receives the support they need.

• Is patient, calm and resilient.
• Has a genuine passion for supporting children and young people with additional needs.
• Can remain positive and professional in challenging situations.
• Has excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Is a strong team player with a proactive approach.
• Has experience working with children or young people with SEMH, SEND or behavioural needs (desirable but not essential).

Candidates with backgrounds in education, youth work, sports coaching, residential care, mentoring, psychology, social care or the armed forces are encouraged to apply.

This is an incredibly rewarding opportunity to make a genuine impact on pupils who benefit from positive role models and consistent support. You'll work within a welcoming and experienced team that values professional development and recognises the importance of every member of staff.

• Competitive daily pay rates.
• Access to more than 2,500 FREE CPD courses through The National College.
• A dedicated consultant providing ongoing support throughout your placement.
• Opportunities to secure long-term and permanent positions.
• Simple and efficient registration process.

If you're looking for a rewarding role where you can genuinely change lives and help young people reach their potential, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today to be considered for this SEMH Teaching Assistant opportunity in Colchester.