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Platypus class and it's teaching assistant plays a vital role in supporting children with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs by creating a nurturing and inclusive learning environment. In the classroom, they provide tailored support, helping students engage with the curriculum at their own pace and encouraging participation through positive reinforcement. Beyond academics, they facilitate extracurricular activities like cooking, experiments, gardening, and arts and crafts, which not only enhance learning but also foster creativity and teamwork. These activities serve as a platform for children to express themselves, build confidence, and develop social skills. By being attentive to each child’s emotional needs, the teaching assistant helps them navigate challenges by remaining calm and composed, promoting resilience and a sense of belonging within the school community. This holistic approach ensures that children with SEMH needs feel valued and supported both academically and emotionally.
 

The TA can effectively address specific emotional needs by employing several strategies tailored to individual students. The TA will actively listen to the student by providing a safe space for them to express their feelings. This helps the TA to understand their emotional challenges which helps build trust and rapport. The TA provides personalised support, recognising that each child has unique needs. The TA can create individualised plans that include specific goals and coping strategies, ensuring that the support is relevant and effective. The TA will provide positive reinforcement by encouraging positive behaviour through praise and rewards which boosts a child’s self esteem and can motivate them to engage more fully in their learning. To support the child’s emotional development the TA will offer support in emotional regulation techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, or journaling to help the student manage their emotions, reduce anxiety and help them to navigate challenging situations effectively. Social skills development is facilitated by supporting group activities, reintegration into the classroom and playground support which can help the child develop essential social skills, enhancing their ability to interact positively with peers. The TA will also collaborate with professionals by working alongside the child class teacher and SENCO to ensure a comprehensive approach to supporting the child’s emotional wellbeing. 
 

By integrating these strategies into their daily interactions, TA’s can significantly contribute to the emotional and social development of students SEMH needs, fostering a more inclusive and supportive learning environment.