Therapeutic Teaching Assistant

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Join a team changing the story for young people

Opening September 2026, Silver Linings Therapeutic School is a new specialist setting supporting pupils aged 11–16 with social, emotional and mental health needs, trauma backgrounds and neurodiversity.

Located in NG16 6NA, our school offers a therapeutic, relationship-based approach to education, where learning is built on safety, connection and trust.

We believe young people thrive when they are truly understood. That is why therapy is embedded across the entire school experience, not delivered separately.

We offer:

• Small class sizes
• Therapeutic practice embedded in all learning
• Training in trauma-informed approaches
• Opportunity to help shape a brand-new school
• Strong staff wellbeing focus
• Staff lunch provided
• Staff parking
• Opportunities for progression as the school grows
• If you want to work somewhere where relationships matter more than routines, Silver Linings could be the place for you.

About the Role

Start: September 2026

(With potential early start supporting transition at our Lower School)

We are looking for exceptional Therapeutic Teaching Assistants who understand that behaviour is communication.

You will work alongside teachers and the therapeutic team to support pupils who may have experienced trauma, disrupted education or emotional challenges.

Your role will focus on building relationships first, supporting pupils to feel safe, regulated and ready to learn.

Key responsibilities

Supporting pupils with SEMH and trauma-informed approaches

Helping implement therapeutic strategies within the classroom

Supporting regulation and emotional wellbeing

Working closely with teachers and therapists

Building trusting relationships with pupils

Ideal background

We welcome applicants with experience in:

SEMH schools

Youth work

Social care

Psychology

Therapeutic or trauma-informed practice

But most importantly, we are looking for people who are:

Calm

compassionate

reflective

relational

This vacancy may close earlier than the advertised date if we receive enough suitable applications, so early application is encouraged.

Please contact Cate Tumman at cate@silverliningsed.co.uk for an application pack.

This vacancy may close earlier than the advertised date if we receive enough suitable applications, so early application is encouraged

Due to this post having access to children and/or vulnerable adults, the successful candidate will be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check. The possession of a criminal record will not necessarily prevent an applicant from obtaining this post, as all cases are judged individually according to the nature of the role and information provided. Click here to see our policy on criminal background checks.