SEMH Teaching Assistant

Salary/Rate:£95 PAYE per day
Job type:Contract
Town/City:Richmond
County:South West London
Type of Role:Teaching Assistant/Learning Support Assistant
Job ref:10073
Post Date:17.07.25
Scroll

Meet Our Recruiter

About the Role

Mental Health Teaching Assistant – SEMH and Autism Support  

Richmond, South West London | £95 per day | PAYE only | Full-time | Temp to Permanent | September Start  

Do you believe that calm, consistent adult relationships can change a young person’s life?  

A specialist school in Richmond is looking for a Mental Health Teaching Assistant to join their dedicated team in September. This role is in a secondary setting that supports students aged 11–16 with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs (SEMH), Autism, and ADHD.  

This position isn’t about managing behaviour in the usual way. It focuses on understanding the child behind the behaviour, recognising trauma responses, and providing stability during important moments.  

What makes this setting different? 

It’s part of a respected Trust prioritising emotional wellbeing and long-term staff development. The leadership team values patience, emotional intelligence, and consistency. You’ll work with professionals who understand why this work is important and will support you in doing it well.  

Your role as a Mental Health Teaching Assistant:  

  • Support secondary-aged students with SEMH, Autism, and ADHD  
  • Provide 1:1 and small group interventions focused on emotional regulation and engagement  
  • Use trauma-informed and attachment-aware approaches  
  • Be a trusted, calming presence during challenging moments  
  • Work closely with teachers, therapists, and pastoral leads  

Key details:  

  • Start date: September  
  • Location: Richmond, South West London (good public transport and free parking)  
  • Pay: £95 per day, PAYE only (no umbrella deductions)  
  • Type: Full-time, temp to perm  
  • Ongoing CPD and Trust-wide training included  

This role would suit someone with experience as a:  

  • Mental Health or Behaviour Support Assistant  
  • Teaching Assistant in an SEMH or alternative provision setting  
  • Youth Worker, Support Worker, or Residential Support Worker  
  • Psychology graduate with practical SEN or mental health experience  
  • Or simply someone with strong patience, emotional resilience, and a passion for inclusive education  

Does this sound like the right next step for you?  

If you’d like to find out more or apply, please contact Heeji Moon at Parker Smith Inclusion or submit your CV today.  

At Parker Smith Inclusion, we specialise in SEND recruitment. Our reputation is based on integrity and expertise. With over 350 five-star Google reviews, we are committed to finding the right leadership opportunities for exceptional educators.  

Benefits of PS Inclusion supporting you in your Mental Health Teaching Assistant role search:  

  • Tailored School Matches: We match you thoughtfully with schools that fit your experience and values.  
  • Exclusive Opportunities: Many of our roles are only available through Parker Smith Inclusion.  
  • Expert Knowledge: We provide honest insight into each school’s leadership, values, and expectations.  
  • Transparent Pay Structure: All roles are PAYE only— no hidden deductions or umbrella companies.  
  • Comprehensive Interview Support: From the application to the final stage, we’re with you every step of the way.  
  • Specialist Settings: Work in schools that support SEMH, Autism, EBSA, PMLD, and complex needs.  

More jobs from this recruiter

View All

Maths Teacher - will consider unqualified teacher with relevant experience

Mole Valley
Surrey
£30,000 - £45,000 per annum, depending on experience and teaching qualifications
Maths Teacher Mole Valley (RH5), Surrey Full-time (term time only), Monday to Friday, 8am – 4pm Permanent contract, £30,000 - £45,000 per annum (depending on experience and qualifications) ** Will consider an unqualified Maths Teacher with relevant experience ** ASAP / January start Imagine being able to make a real difference in children’s lives, helping them grow, develop, and prepare for adulthood. Would you say no to joining a school that genuinely puts the child at the centre, with a therapeutic and holistic approach? Do you think a school like that doesn’t exist? It does. This one does. I am working with an incredible special school in Mole Valley, Surrey, that provides therapeutic education for children with Autism, ADHD, and Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. The Headteacher genuinely cares, not only about the children but also about staff wellbeing. The school offers exceptional facilities and beautiful spaces where pupils can truly thrive. If you are a Maths Teacher who wants to make a positive, lasting impact, there’s really no reason to say no to this opportunity. The Role Teach Maths up to GCSE level Small classes (up to 8 pupils) with 1 or 2 Teaching Assistants Mixed-ability groups Flexible curriculum pathways Creative and multi-sensory teaching Differentiated lessons tailored to individual needs Trauma-informed and attachment-aware approaches Be a trusted, calming presence during challenging moments Collaborate closely with the leadership team, support staff, and therapists Key Details ASAP or January start | Full-time, term-time only Permanent contract | £30,000 - £45,000 per annum (depending on experience and qualifications) Commutable from: Worcester Park, Chessington, Sutton, Wallington, Croydon, Epsom, Woking, Guildford, Leatherhead, Redhill, Reigate, and Crawley Teacher training provided for unqualified Maths Teachers Ongoing CPD and training Who Is This Role For? Qualified Maths Teachers currently working in SEND settings and seeking a new challenge Qualified Maths Teachers from mainstream schools looking to transition into SEND Maths Teachers who want to make a genuine, positive impact Unqualified Maths Teachers with experience teaching Maths and seeking teacher training Individuals with personal or professional experience supporting children or adults with additional needs (Autism/ASC, ADHD, SEMH) Patient, calm, and nurturing individuals Proactive team players with strong communication skills People with a clear passion and purpose for working with children If this Maths Teacher role sounds like a good fit for you, please apply today or contact Heeji Moon at Parker Smith Inclusion for more information.

Learning Support Assistant - Autism / SEMH

Mole Valley
Surrey
Up to £25,000 per annum (pro-rata)
Learning Support Assistant Mole Valley (RH5), Surrey Full-time (term time only) | Monday to Friday, 8am – 4pm Permanent contract, up to £25,000 per annum (pro rata) ASAP start Imagine being able to make a real difference in children’s lives, helping them grow, develop, and prepare for adulthood. Would you say no to joining a school that genuinely puts the child at the centre, with a therapeutic and holistic approach? Do you think a school like that doesn’t exist? It does. This one does. I am working with an incredible special school in Mole Valley, Surrey, that provides therapeutic education for children with Autism, ADHD, and Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs (SEMH). The Headteacher genuinely cares, not only about the children but also about staff wellbeing. The school also offers exceptional facilities and beautiful spaces where pupils can truly thrive. If you’re a dedicated Learning Support Assistant who wants to make a positive, lasting impact, there’s really no reason to say no to this opportunity. The Role Support both primary and secondary-aged students with Autism, ADHD, and SEMH. Provide one-on-one and small-group interventions focused on emotional regulation and engagement. Use trauma-informed and attachment-aware approaches Be a trusted, calming presence during challenging moments Work collaboratively with teachers, therapists, and pastoral leads Key Details ASAP start, full-time, term-time only Permanent contract, up to £25,000 per annum Commutable from: Worcester Park, Chessington, Sutton, Wallington, Croydon, Epsom, Woking, Guildford, Leatherhead, Redhill, Reigate, and Crawley Ongoing CPD and training provided Who Is This Role For? University graduates aspiring to become Clinical or Educational Psychologists, Therapists, Teachers, or Social Workers. Those with personal or professional experience supporting children or adults with additional needs (Autism/ASC, ADHD, SEMH) Patient, calm, and nurturing individuals Proactive team players with strong communication skills People with a clear reason why they want to work with children Those seeking career progression in education or therapy If this Learning Support Assistant role sounds like a good fit for you, please apply today or contact Heeji Moon at Parker Smith Inclusion for more information.

SLD Teacher

Kingston
South West London
£194.21 - £258.84 PAYE per day, in line with Outer London M1 - M6
SLD Teacher – Specialist SEN School – Kingston upon Thames £194.21 - £258.84 PAYE per day, in line with Outer London M1 to M6 Full-Time (term time only) Some schools simply feel different the moment you walk through the door, calm, happy, and filled with genuine warmth. This is one of those schools. We are working with an Outstanding specialist school in Kingston upon Thames, designed for children and young people aged 4–19 with Severe and Profound Learning Difficulties (SLD / PMLD), Autism (ASC) and complex communication and sensory needs. Many pupils are non-verbal and use alternative communication systems such as AAC or Makaton; others have physical and medical needs and require personal care and hydrotherapy. Every aspect of this school has been thoughtfully designed around what its pupils need to thrive, from the light-filled classrooms and sensory studios to the hydrotherapy pool, therapy rooms, and adapted playgrounds. The curriculum is creative, experiential, and child-centred, focusing on communication, independence, physical development, and emotional well-being as much as academic progress. Teachers are encouraged to explore music, art, movement, and sensory stories to unlock engagement and joy in learning. You’ll work as part of a truly multidisciplinary team, therapists, HLTAs, and teaching assistants who collaborate daily, celebrating every milestone, no matter how small. The senior leadership team is exceptionally supportive and invests heavily in staff development, from specialist training to well-being initiatives. Why you will love working here: A joyful, nurturing environment where pupils are genuinely happy and staff are proud to be part of the community Outstanding leadership with a clear, compassionate vision Small class sizes and excellent adult-to-pupil ratios Fully resourced classrooms with therapy and sensory support integrated into learning A focus on staff wellbeing, professional growth and collaboration Outer London teacher pay, paid weekly via PAYE (no umbrella deductions) Whether you come from a mainstream or specialist background, if you’re a teacher who believes education should meet each child where they are, this school will give you the chance to do your very best work. If you are interested, please apply today or contact Heeji Moon at Parker Smith Inclusion.

Complex Needs SEN Teacher

Kingston
South West London
£194.21 - £258.84 PAYE per day, in line with Outer London M1 - M6
Complex Needs SEN Teacher – Specialist School (Outer London) Kingston, South West London Full-Time, Permanent | Start: January 2026 (or sooner) Salary: £194.21 - £258.84 PAYE, In line with M1–M6 Outer London (no umbrella deductions) Teaching in a specialist school is not just about lessons. It’s about connection, creativity, and helping each young person find their voice. We’re working with an outstanding specialist school in South West London that supports children and young people with Complex Learning Needs, including Autism (ASC), Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD), and Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD). Many pupils also have sensory or medical needs, and the school’s highly trained team, including therapists, nurses, and specialist support staff, work seamlessly together to provide holistic, child-centred education. From the moment you step inside, you’ll notice how calm and purposeful the atmosphere is. Every space, from the sensory rooms to the hydrotherapy pool, has been designed to help students thrive. Lessons are creative, flexible, and tailored to each learner’s needs, focusing on communication, independence, and well-being as much as academic progress. What you can expect: Small class sizes with excellent staff-to-student ratios Collaborative, multidisciplinary support, including SaLTs, OTs, and physios Purpose-built facilities that enable true sensory and experiential learning Ongoing CPD and SEND training, especially for teachers transitioning from mainstream A leadership team that genuinely values and supports its staff Who we’re looking for: We welcome applications from both experienced SEN teachers and mainstream teachers ready for a new challenge. You’ll need to bring patience, empathy, and creativity, alongside curiosity, to keep learning and growing. Why Parker Smith Inclusion? At Parker Smith Inclusion, we specialise exclusively in SEND recruitment. Our approach is ethical, transparent, and personal. We pay all candidates via PAYE only (no umbrella deductions) and match salaries in line with Outer London pay scales. We understand the schools, the sector, and the people behind it, and we’re here to help you find a role where you can truly make an impact. If you believe education should adapt to the learner, not the other way around, we’d love to hear from you. To apply, please respond to this advert, upload your CV via our website, or contact Heeji Moon on 0203 011 4848 for a confidential chat.