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Learning Support Assistant – SEMH Provision (Portsmouth)

Hourly Rate: £13.75 | Ages 5–16

We are recruiting a Learning Support Assistant to support children and young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs within a school that operates across multiple sites in Portsmouth. This is a varied and hands-on role, perfect for someone who enjoys working creatively and flexibly to meet individual needs.

The role:
Pupils you support may experience school avoidance and require a more personalised approach to learning. Your work will take place both in school and off-site, helping pupils to:

Rebuild confidence in education

Complete structured time within school settings

Engage in learning through practical and activity-based sessions

Develop coping strategies, emotional regulation, and positive routines

Support is always tailored, with a strong focus on wellbeing, relationships, and engagement rather than traditional classroom learning alone.

Who we’re looking for:

A patient, supportive, and resilient individual

Ideally a driver, as travel between sites is required

Someone confident working 1:1 or in small groups

Strong communication and relationship-building skills

Experience & training:

No previous LSA or school experience required

Backgrounds in youth work, sports coaching, mentoring, care, or similar fields are highly desirable

Full training, guidance, and ongoing support provided

What you’ll receive:

Competitive pay of £13.75 per hour

A role that makes a genuine difference to young lives

Supportive working environment

Opportunity to gain valuable experience in SEMH and alternative education

If you’re passionate about helping young people overcome barriers and re-engage with learning in a supportive, flexible setting, this could be the role for you.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.

All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.

Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.

We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.

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