Connex - Bristol
Higher Level Teaching Assistant – SEMH
Location: Swindon
Pay: £110 – £140 per day PAYE
Start Date: September 2026
Contract: Flexible Supply | Short & Long Term | Temp-to-Perm
Support, Inspire & Make a Difference
Connex Education Partnership is looking for an experienced and committed Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to work across specialist SEND and SEMH settings in Swindon and the surrounding areas.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced HLTA, Teaching Assistant or education professional who has a strong understanding of SEMH, behaviour and emotional regulation and is confident supporting pupils who may experience barriers to learning.
We offer flexible day-to-day supply, short- and long-term placements and temp-to-perm opportunities, giving you the opportunity to find a role that works around your experience, availability and career goals.
The Role
As an SEMH HLTA, you will work closely with teachers, pastoral teams and specialist staff to provide structured, consistent and nurturing support to pupils who may require additional help with their emotional, social and behavioural development.
You may support pupils experiencing:
SEMH | Emotional Regulation | Challenging Behaviour | Anxiety | ADHD | Autism / ASC | Social & Emotional Difficulties | Behavioural Needs
Your responsibilities could include:
- Leading learning activities for individuals and small groups
- Delivering planned lessons or learning sessions where appropriate
- Supporting pupils who struggle to engage with traditional classroom environments
- Helping pupils develop emotional regulation and self-management skills
- Supporting positive behaviour and implementing agreed behaviour strategies
- Building trusting and consistent relationships with pupils
- Supporting transitions, routines and changes throughout the school day
- Using de-escalation and positive behaviour approaches
- Supporting pupils to re-engage with learning following periods of dysregulation
- Delivering PSHE, life skills and personal development activities
- Working alongside teachers, pastoral staff and specialist professionals
- Monitoring engagement and progress and providing feedback to teaching staff
- Supporting Teaching Assistants and contributing to a consistent team approach
The Ideal Candidate
We’re looking for someone who is calm, confident, resilient and able to build positive relationships with pupils who may display challenging or unpredictable behaviour.
You’ll ideally have experience in:
SEMH & Behaviour
Emotional regulation | Behaviour support | De-escalation | Positive behaviour approaches
Education
HLTA | Teaching Assistant | Learning Support Assistant | Pastoral support
Specialist Settings
SEND schools | SEMH settings | Alternative Provision | Specialist education
Additional Needs
ASC / Autism | ADHD | Communication needs | Complex needs
A Level 4 HLTA qualification or equivalent experience is welcomed. Team-Teach or other positive behaviour management training would also be highly beneficial.
Why Work With Connex Education Partnership?
- Competitive daily PAYE rates
- Flexible specialist SEND supply opportunities
- Day-to-day, short-term and long-term placements
- Temp-to-perm opportunities
- Weekly PAYE payments – no umbrella companies
- Access to our SEND Toolkit and professional development resources
- Funded formal qualifications and training opportunities
- Dedicated SEND specialist consultant
- Ongoing support throughout your assignments
- Opportunities across a range of specialist schools and SEND settings
If you’re passionate about supporting pupils with SEMH and behavioural needs and want to use your experience to help young people build confidence, independence and positive relationships with education, we’d love to hear from you.
Apply today or contact Charlotte Richardson on 0117 486 5001 or email [email protected] with your CV for more information.
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.