Teaching Assistant (alternative provision)

SEMH Teaching Assistant – Secondary Alternative Provision Location: Burgess Hill Hours: Monday – Friday Pay: Competitive (dependent on experience) Start Date: ASAP – continuing into September and beyond About the Role 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 fantastic opportunity to work with secondary-aged students who have experienced barriers within mainstream education and need a different approach to help them re-engage, rebuild confidence, and achieve their potential. The students you will support may have SEMH needs, including challenges around emotional regulation, anxiety, mental health, low self-esteem, and managing relationships. Some students may display challenging behaviour, test boundaries, or find it difficult to build trust with adults due to previous experiences. The successful candidate will understand that strong relationships take time and will be committed to providing a consistent, patient, and positive approach. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working with young people, building meaningful connections, and helping students recognise their strengths and abilities. Key Responsibilities Support secondary-aged students with SEMH needs within the classroom and wider provision Build positive, trusting relationships with students who may have had challenging experiences within education Support students who have been excluded from mainstream settings to re-engage with learning Encourage students to participate, develop confidence, and believe in their own abilities Support students with emotional regulation and managing difficult moments Provide a calm, consistent, and supportive presence throughout the school day Help students develop independence, resilience, and positive coping strategies Encourage students to overcome barriers and achieve personal and educational goals Support classroom learning and help students access activities Use positive behaviour strategies to help students understand expectations and boundaries Work closely with teachers and the wider support team to provide the best outcomes for students Help create a safe, structured, and nurturing environment About You We are looking for someone who is passionate about supporting young people and understands that behaviour is often a form of communication. The ideal candidate will have: Experience supporting children or young people with SEND, SEMH, or behavioural needs Experience working with challenging behaviour and supporting emotional regulation The patience and resilience to support students who may initially test boundaries A calm, consistent, and caring 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, mentoring, care, or similar environment would be beneficial, but the right attitude, resilience, and willingness to build relationships are equally important. Why Apply? This is a highly rewarding role where you will have the opportunity to make a genuine difference in the lives of young people. You will be joining a supportive and dedicated team who understand the importance of trust, consistency, and positive relationships. You will support students who may have struggled in mainstream education and help them rebuild confidence, re-engage with learning, and develop the skills they need for their future. For the right person, this is not just a Teaching Assistant role — it is an opportunity to help change a young person's journey and be part of something truly meaningful.