Description
SEMH Teaching Assistant / Behaviour Specialist
Location: Exeter
Start Date: September 2026
Hours: Full Time, Term Time Only
Pay: £109–£111 per day
Are you an experienced SEMH professional who is passionate about transforming the lives of vulnerable children?
Axcis Education is working in partnership with a highly respected specialist SEND school in Exeter to recruit skilled and dedicated SEMH Teaching Assistants, Behaviour Mentors and Pastoral Support Professionals for September 2026.
This specialist setting supports primary and secondary aged pupils with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) relating to Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. Many pupils also have a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) and have experienced significant barriers to learning. The school is recognised for its nurturing, relationship-based approach, where every child is given the opportunity to rebuild confidence, develop emotional resilience and achieve success.
This role would suit professionals with a strong background in SEMH, behaviour support, youth work, children's residential care, mentoring or alternative provision who are looking to make a meaningful impact within a highly supportive specialist setting.
The Role
• Providing targeted support for pupils with SEMH and ASC needs on a 1:1 and small-group basis
• Building meaningful, trusting relationships with children who require consistency, patience and understanding
• Supporting emotional regulation and implementing therapeutic and trauma-informed strategies
• Acting as a positive role model throughout the school day
• Managing and de-escalating challenging behaviours with confidence and professionalism
• Working alongside teachers, therapists and pastoral teams to deliver personalised support
• Encouraging engagement in learning and helping pupils achieve their individual targets
• Promoting self-esteem, resilience and positive outcomes for every child
The Ideal Candidate
• Has substantial experience supporting children or young people or adults with SEMH needs
• Has worked as a Behaviour Mentor, Youth Worker, Teaching Assistant, Support Worker, Pastoral Practitioner or similar
• Demonstrates a strong understanding of trauma, attachment needs and behaviour as communication
• Remains calm, resilient and solution-focused in challenging situations
• Is confident implementing behaviour support and de-escalation strategies
• Can build positive professional relationships while maintaining clear boundaries
• Is passionate about supporting vulnerable pupils to overcome barriers and succeed
What the School Offers
• A highly supportive and experienced leadership team
• Comprehensive SEMH and SEND-focused training
• A collaborative and welcoming staff culture
• A well-resourced specialist environment including VR classes, school trips once a week, cooking and a ball therapy room
• Ongoing professional development and career progression opportunities
• The chance to make a genuine and lasting difference to children's lives
• Potential for long-term and permanent positions
This is a fantastic opportunity for experienced SEMH professionals seeking a rewarding role where relationship-building, resilience and compassion are at the heart of every day.
If you are ready for a new challenge this September and want to be part of a committed team that changes lives, we would love to hear from you.
Full Time | September 2026 Start | £109–£111 per day, working 8:30 - 4:30
INDEED
Location: Exeter
Start Date: September 2026
Hours: Full Time, Term Time Only
Pay: £109–£111 per day
Are you an experienced SEMH professional who is passionate about transforming the lives of vulnerable children?
Axcis Education is working in partnership with a highly respected specialist SEND school in Exeter to recruit skilled and dedicated SEMH Teaching Assistants, Behaviour Mentors and Pastoral Support Professionals for September 2026.
This specialist setting supports primary and secondary aged pupils with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) relating to Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. Many pupils also have a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) and have experienced significant barriers to learning. The school is recognised for its nurturing, relationship-based approach, where every child is given the opportunity to rebuild confidence, develop emotional resilience and achieve success.
This role would suit professionals with a strong background in SEMH, behaviour support, youth work, children's residential care, mentoring or alternative provision who are looking to make a meaningful impact within a highly supportive specialist setting.
The Role
• Providing targeted support for pupils with SEMH and ASC needs on a 1:1 and small-group basis
• Building meaningful, trusting relationships with children who require consistency, patience and understanding
• Supporting emotional regulation and implementing therapeutic and trauma-informed strategies
• Acting as a positive role model throughout the school day
• Managing and de-escalating challenging behaviours with confidence and professionalism
• Working alongside teachers, therapists and pastoral teams to deliver personalised support
• Encouraging engagement in learning and helping pupils achieve their individual targets
• Promoting self-esteem, resilience and positive outcomes for every child
The Ideal Candidate
• Has substantial experience supporting children or young people or adults with SEMH needs
• Has worked as a Behaviour Mentor, Youth Worker, Teaching Assistant, Support Worker, Pastoral Practitioner or similar
• Demonstrates a strong understanding of trauma, attachment needs and behaviour as communication
• Remains calm, resilient and solution-focused in challenging situations
• Is confident implementing behaviour support and de-escalation strategies
• Can build positive professional relationships while maintaining clear boundaries
• Is passionate about supporting vulnerable pupils to overcome barriers and succeed
What the School Offers
• A highly supportive and experienced leadership team
• Comprehensive SEMH and SEND-focused training
• A collaborative and welcoming staff culture
• A well-resourced specialist environment including VR classes, school trips once a week, cooking and a ball therapy room
• Ongoing professional development and career progression opportunities
• The chance to make a genuine and lasting difference to children's lives
• Potential for long-term and permanent positions
This is a fantastic opportunity for experienced SEMH professionals seeking a rewarding role where relationship-building, resilience and compassion are at the heart of every day.
If you are ready for a new challenge this September and want to be part of a committed team that changes lives, we would love to hear from you.
Full Time | September 2026 Start | £109–£111 per day, working 8:30 - 4:30
INDEED