SEMH Teaching Assistant / Behaviour Specialist Location: Poole, Dorset Start Date: September 2026 Hours: Full Time, Term Time Only Pay: £95–£105 per day (dependent on experience) 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 Poole to recruit skilled and dedicated SEMH Teaching Assistants, Behaviour Mentors and Pastoral Support Professionals for September 2026. This specialist setting supports primary-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 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 • Holds GCSE Grade C/4 or above in English and Maths (essential) • Relevant qualifications or degree-level education are desirable 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 • 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 | £95–£105 per day INDDEV <br/><br />If you are interested, then please click on the apply button and contact Alex Holt on 01392 949022 | Ext: 6001.<br /><br />If you are not interested in this role but know someone else who might be, <strong>don&#39;t forget that we offer &pound;50 in shopping vouchers if you refer a friend to us and we place them in the job.</strong> For more details, contact your local Axcis office.<br /><br /><em>This is a temporary position, unless stated otherwise.</em><br /><br /><em>Axcis is an equal opportunities employer and as such we do not discriminate based on age, gender, disability, race or any other equal opportunities criteria.<br /><br />The company is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. As such, you will be required to provide an up to date DBS, or be prepared to allow Axcis to process one on your behalf, in addition to other mandatory compliance checks in line with the DfE guidelines (for details please see our website).<br /><br />If the position you are applying for involves working with children or vulnerable adults, this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974.</em><br /><br /><em>Axcis Education is an employment agency offering temporary supply work for daily, short-term and long-term assignments in addition to permanent positions.<br /><br />You must be suitably qualified for the position advertised and be prepared to attend a face to face interview with Axcis to demonstrate your suitability for this role.<br /><br />Salary / Pay Rate will be dependent on your skills and experience.</em><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#e0004d;"><a href="/job-page-disclaimer">View the disclaimer</a></span></strong><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#e0004d;"><strong>Contact: </strong></span><strong> Alex Holt&nbsp;</strong><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#e0004d;">Telephone: </span> 01392 949022 | Ext: 6001</strong></strong>