Connex - Bristol
Connex Education is currently recruiting passionate and dedicated SEMH Teaching Assistants to support a variety of specialist schools and alternative provisions across Bristol from September 2026.
These roles involve working within specialist educational settings that support children and young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, behavioural challenges, trauma-informed needs and additional learning needs. You may also work with pupils with Autism (ASC), ADHD, communication difficulties and other SEND requirements, delivering tailored support to help them engage positively with education.
We are looking for compassionate, resilient and adaptable individuals who are committed to helping pupils overcome barriers to learning and achieve their full potential within supportive and nurturing environments. Opportunities are available on a day-to-day, short-term, and long-term basis, offering flexibility to suit your availability and career goals.
What You’ll Be Doing
Supporting children and young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs in specialist education settings
Building positive, trusting relationships that promote emotional wellbeing and engagement
Supporting pupils with their learning, behaviour and personal development both in and out of the classroom
Working alongside experienced teachers, SEND professionals and pastoral teams to deliver tailored support
Helping to create a safe, nurturing and inclusive learning environment where every pupil can thrive
Why This Opportunity is Ideal
Gain valuable experience working within specialist SEMH provisions
Develop your behaviour management, communication and de-escalation skills
Build meaningful relationships with local schools and specialist education providers
Enhance your CV with rewarding and varied SEND experience
Access ongoing support from education specialists with expertise in SEND and SEMH
What We’re Looking For
Experience working with children or young people, ideally within education, care or support settings (desirable but not essential)
A genuine passion for supporting children with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs
Strong communication, resilience and interpersonal skills
A calm, patient and adaptable approach to supporting pupils with a range of additional needs
Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people
An Enhanced DBS on the Update Service, or willingness to obtain one through Connex Education
About the Schools
We work with a network of specialist SEMH schools and alternative provisions across the Bristol area, supporting children and young people with a range of social, emotional and mental health needs. These settings provide nurturing, supportive environments where staff work collaboratively to help pupils overcome barriers to learning and achieve positive outcomes both academically and personally.
Why Choose Connex Education?
Competitive daily pay rates
Weekly PAYE pay – no umbrella companies
Free access to our Classroom Teacher and SEND Toolkits for professional development
Career progression opportunities through our professional development pathways
Wellbeing support and refresher training for modern educational settings
A dedicated SEND specialist consultant to support your career journey
Flexible opportunities across SEMH provisions
Funded formal qualifications including Level 2 SEND, Level 3 Teaching & Learning, Level 4 HLTA, and Level 5 TEFL
Ready to Make a Difference?
If you’re passionate about supporting children and young people with SEMH needs and are looking for a rewarding role in the Bristol area, we’d love to hear from you.
Apply today or contact the Bristol team on 0117 486 5001 or lily.charles@connex-education.com to find out more.
All offers are conditional upon satisfactory background checks, including references and an enhanced DBS check. Connex Education Partnership is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and candidates to share this commitment.
Connex Education Partnership is an equal opportunities employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants.
Connex Education Partnership is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and candidates to share this commitment. We adhere to Safer Recruitment practices in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE), Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023, and other relevant legislation. All appointments are subject to rigorous pre-employment checks, including references and an enhanced DBS check.