We are currently recruiting for a skilled support practitioner to work in a SEMH setting with a 7 year old pupil who has an EHCP plan and has had a rocky start to his education. You would need to have experience of working in a SEMH setting and be able to work one to one and have the knowledge and skills to work with this young person who presents with frequent episodes of dysregulation (including physical aggression towards peers and adults), low mood and anxiety and has significant gaps in his learning.
The skilled practitioner will need to have an understanding of the early years/KS1 curriculum, calm, yet proactive in approach and values that are aligned to teamwork and the six nurture principles.
The role will be a full time role with hours 8.30 - 4pm with a break for lunch, or possible 8.30 - 3.30 if lunch is taken with the pupil.
Key Responsibilities:
- One-to-One Support: Provide individual support for the pupil, focusing on both their emotional and academic needs. Support the pupil with managing dysregulation episodes, anxiety, and aggression in a safe and constructive manner.
- Dysregulation Management: Implement strategies to help the pupil regulate emotions during episodes of physical aggression and low mood, using de-escalation techniques and offering consistent, calming support.
- Academic Support: Work closely with the pupil to bridge gaps in their learning, using knowledge of the early years/KS1 curriculum to provide targeted support that meets their individual needs as outlined in their EHCP.
- Curriculum Adaptation: Tailor learning activities to the pupil's individual abilities and interests, ensuring they remain engaged, motivated, and supported to make progress in their academic and social development.
- Promoting Positive Behavior: Foster an environment that encourages positive behavior by applying the six nurture principles: Nurture the child's self-esteem, ensure consistency and trust, provide a secure and predictable environment, promote independence and autonomy, offer social and emotional learning, and support physical and emotional development.
- Collaboration with Staff: Work closely with the class teacher, SENCO, and other professionals to ensure consistent approaches are taken in supporting the pupil's needs, both academically and emotionally.
- Well-being Support: Support the pupil's emotional and social development by creating a safe space where they can express their feelings, helping them develop coping mechanisms for anxiety and emotional regulation.
- Record Keeping and Reporting: Regularly monitor and document the pupil's progress and behavior, ensuring all relevant information is shared with the class teacher and SENCO for ongoing support and intervention.
- Parent and Carer Liaison: Work in partnership with the pupil's family, providing updates on progress, behavior, and emotional development, and sharing relevant insights to ensure consistency between home and school.
- Safeguarding: Adhere to all safeguarding policies, ensuring the safety and well-being of the pupil at all times.
Skills and qualification required:
- Relevant qualifications in supporting children with SEND (e.g., Level 2 or 3 Teaching Assistant qualification or equivalent).
- GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics, grade C or above.
- Further training or qualifications in SEMH, behavior management, or mental health support.
- Proven experience working in an SEMH setting or with children who have complex emotional and behavioral needs.
- Experience of supporting children with significant learning gaps and emotional difficulties.
- Understanding of managing dysregulation, aggression, anxiety, and low mood in young children.
- Strong knowledge of the early years and KS1 curriculum and the ability to adapt it to suit the individual needs of the pupil.
- Experience in using de-escalation techniques and positive behavior strategies to support emotional regulation.
- The ability to stay calm and composed in challenging situations, providing emotional and behavioral support to the pupil.
- Excellent communication skills to work effectively with the pupil, staff, and parents.
- Ability to create and maintain positive relationships with children, fostering trust and security.
- Strong teamwork skills, collaborating effectively with colleagues and professionals involved in the pupil's support.
- Ability to take initiative in addressing the pupil's needs and adapting approaches to suit their changing requirements.
- Understanding and sensitive to the emotional challenges faced by the pupil, offering a compassionate approach to their development.
- Able to remain positive and patient despite the challenges that may arise in supporting children with SEMH needs.
- A strong team player who values collaboration, shares insights, and is committed to the success of the pupil and the wider school community.
- Passionate about supporting vulnerable children and helping them overcome barriers to learning and development.
Due to the nature of the roles, candidates must be UK residents residing within the local area. Please note that we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for overseas candidates.
Provide Education is a leading education recruitment agency placing Teachers, Teaching Assistants, Cover Supervisors, HLTAs and Nursery Nurses into Schools and Nurseries across Yorkshire and the East Midlands. Provide Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all supply staff to share this commitment. As part of our recruitment process, we will undertake the necessary checks to complete your registration with us, inclusive of a video interview, current references and DBS check.