Location: Plymouth, Devon
Pay: £115–£140 per day, depending on experience
Contract: Full-time, Monday–Friday, term time | Long-term, temp-to-perm
Setting: Independent SEMH school, pupils aged 7–16
Start Date: ASAP
Closing date: Friday 30 October 2026
Luma Education Recruitment are seeking caring, patient and nurturing 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 7–16 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 educators
* Help pupils manage anxiety, dysregulation and sensory needs using calm, consistent strategies
* Build positive, trusting relationships with pupils
* Support pupils' social, emotional and academic development (mainly primary-level learning)
* Help maintain a calm, safe and positive learning environment
* Follow 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)
* Dedicated, patient and calm, with a nurturing approach
* Passionate about helping young people who have struggled in mainstream education
* Flexible and adaptable, with a positive, encouraging attitude
* Able to commute to a rural location near Plymouth (a driving licence is desirable)
* Trauma-informed or Thrive training desirable but not essential
Benefits:
* Competitive daily rate (£115–£140) DOE with weekly payments
* Clear route to a permanent position with the school
* Small, supportive team with very low staff turnover
* Efficient registration process and expert payroll support
* CPD and ongoing training opportunities
* Dedicated 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.
Luma Education Recruitment is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All candidates will go through safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS and reference checks.
We are an Equal Opportunities Employer.
To apply, click Apply Now and attach your CV. Looking for something different? Reach out and let us help you find the right role
Salary description
£115.00 - £140.00 per day