Are you someone who enjoys building strong, meaningful relationships and being the steady, supportive presence a young person can rely on? Do you want a role where your patience, empathy, and understanding truly make a difference every single day?
New Directions Education is looking for kind, committed, and resilient 1:1 Teaching Assistants to support learners with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs across a range of Pontefract based settings. This is a deeply rewarding role where you'll work 1:1 with a learner, helping them feel safe, understood, and supported so they can engage more positively with school life.
What makes this role special?
You'll be that consistent adult who helps a young person navigate their school day - celebrating small wins, offering calm support during challenging moments, and helping them build confidence, trust, and emotional regulation skills. Every day will be different, but the impact you have will be lasting.
We'd love to hear from you if you:
- Are calm, patient, and compassionate, even when things feel challenging
- Have experience or an interest in trauma informed practice and therapeutic behaviour support
- Are Team Teach trained, or confident using positive behaviour management strategies
- Feel confident supporting emotional regulation and behaviour
- Truly believe in inclusion and giving every learner the chance to succeed
What your role will involve:
- Providing dedicated 1:1 support tailored to the individual needs of a learner
- Supporting emotional regulation and behaviour using positive, trauma informed approaches
- Helping the pupil engage with learning and access the curriculum
- Offering support during transitions, unstructured times, and throughout the school day
- Building a strong, trusted relationship that helps the learner feel safe and supported
- Working closely with teachers, SENCOs, and pastoral teams to ensure consistent support
- Monitoring progress and contributing to support plans and pupil reviews
Why you'll love this role:
- Make a genuine difference in one young person's life
- See the impact of your support day by day
- Gain valuable experience in SEMH and inclusive education
- Work within supportive schools and teams across Pontefract
- Feel proud of the role you play in a learner's journey
If you're reliable, caring, and motivated by helping young people overcome challenges, we would love to hear from you.
