Literacy Teaching Assistant – SEMH / Alternative Provision

Secondary School | Edmonton, North London

Are you a passionate Teaching Assistant with a flair for literacy and a desire to make a difference in the lives of young people who need additional support?

We are looking for a dedicated Literacy Teaching Assistant to join a specialist Alternative Provision in Edmonton, supporting secondary-aged students with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, Special Educational Needs (SEN) and behavioural difficulties.

This is a fantastic opportunity to work in a school that takes a personalised approach to education, providing smaller classes, tailored interventions and a supportive environment where students can rediscover their confidence in learning.

About the Role

As a Literacy Teaching Assistant, you will play an important part in helping students overcome barriers to learning and develop essential English and literacy skills.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing targeted 1:1 and small-group literacy support to secondary-aged students.
• Helping pupils improve their reading, writing, spelling and comprehension skills.
• Supporting students who may have significant gaps in their education or are working below expected levels.
• Working alongside teachers to make English lessons accessible, engaging and achievable.
• Encouraging positive behaviour, emotional regulation and a willingness to learn.
• Building trusting relationships with students who may have experienced challenges in mainstream education.

What We're Looking For

We would love to hear from candidates who:

• Have previous experience as a Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant or Literacy Intervention Assistant.
• Have a good understanding of literacy development and strategies to support struggling readers and writers.
• Have experience working with SEMH, SEN or students who display challenging behaviour.
• Can remain calm, patient and consistent in a challenging but rewarding environment.
• Are creative in their approach and able to adapt learning to suit individual needs.
• Are genuinely motivated to help young people achieve both academically and personally.

What Makes This Opportunity Different?

This isn't your typical Teaching Assistant role. You'll be working with young people who may have lost confidence in education and need someone who can help them see what they're capable of achieving.

You'll benefit from:

• Small class sizes, allowing you to provide meaningful, individualised support.
• A welcoming and experienced specialist team.
• The opportunity to develop your skills in literacy interventions, SEN and SEMH support.
• A rewarding role where even the smallest steps forward can make a huge difference.

Interested in Finding Out More?

If you're a Teaching Assistant who enjoys helping students build their confidence, develop their literacy skills and re-engage with education, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today or contact Katie at Parker Smith on 0203 011 4848 for more information.