About this role
Learning Support Assistant (SEMH) – Plymouth
Location: Plymouth, Devon
Pay: £115–£140 per day (DOE)
Job type: Full-time | Monday–Friday, term time | Long-term | Temp-to-Perm
Setting: Independent SEMH school, pupils aged 9–14
Start: ASAP
Closing date for applications: Friday 30 October 2026
Luma Education Recruitment are seeking caring, resilient Learning Support Assistants (LSAs) to join a small independent SEMH school in the Plymouth area. This long-term, temp-to-perm Teaching Assistant role is in a nurturing, therapeutic setting, supporting pupils aged 9–14 with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs.
About the School:
Our client is a not-for-profit independent SEMH school with a trauma-informed, therapeutic approach. It puts pupils' emotional wellbeing first and academic learning second, helping young people who have struggled in mainstream education to feel safe, settled and ready to learn. Pupils have needs including anxiety, emotional dysregulation and sensory needs.
Classes are very small and the staff team is close-knit, with very low staff turnover. The school is in high demand, with waiting lists for places, and has recently opened a new site. It is now recruiting several Learning Support Assistants to grow its team.
Key Responsibilities:
Support pupils with SEMH needs in class and in small groups, alongside experienced therapeutic educatorsHelp pupils manage anxiety, dysregulation and sensory needs using calm, consistent strategiesBuild positive, trusting relationships with pupilsSupport pupils' social, emotional and academic development (mainly primary-level learning)Help maintain a calm, safe and positive learning environmentFollow the school's safeguarding and behaviour policies
Requirements:
Experience supporting children or young people with SEN, SEND or SEMH needs (in a school, youth work, care or similar setting)Patient, resilient and calm under pressurePassionate about helping young people who have struggled in mainstream educationFlexible and adaptable, with a positive, encouraging attitudeAble to commute to a rural location near Plymouth (a driving licence is desirable)Trauma-informed, Thrive or Team Teach training desirable but not essentialEnhanced DBS (on Update Service) required prior to starting
Benefits:
Competitive daily rate (£115–£140) DOE with weekly paymentsClear route to a permanent position with the schoolSmall, supportive team with very low staff turnoverNo personal care requiredEfficient registration process and expert payroll supportCPD and ongoing training opportunitiesDedicated consultants helping you find the best roles
About Luma Education Recruitment
Luma Education Recruitment connects talented teachers and support staff with schools across the UK. We specialise in a wide range of roles, from Teaching Assistants to Headteachers, ensuring you find the right position for your skills and experience.
We are an Equal Opportunities Employer.