SEMH Teaching Assistant
Meet Our Recruiter
About the Role
SEMH Teaching Assistant
Location: Merton
Salary: £90 – £95 per day (dependent on experience) - PAYE
Contract Type: Full-time, Long-term
Job Description
We seek a committed and resilient SEN Teaching Assistant to join a specialist education setting in Merton, South West London. This role involves working with students with a range of special educational needs, particularly SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs), ASC (Autism Spectrum Condition), and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder).
This is an ideal opportunity for someone passionate about inclusive education who thrives in a supportive but challenging environment where every day is different. This role is ideal for someone looking to expand on their experience, working on a 121 basis with students who present with complex social and emotional needs, dysregulation, and well-being.
Key Responsibilities
- Support students in the classroom on a 1:1 basis or in small groups
- Implement strategies to manage behaviour and promote emotional regulation
- Assist the class teacher with planning and delivering engaging, accessible lessons
- Help create a positive and structured learning environment
- Provide emotional and pastoral support to pupils with complex needs
- Support the implementation of EHCP targets and behaviour plans
- Work closely with teaching staff, SENCOs and external professionals
Requirements
- Experience working with children or young people with SEND, especially SEMH, Autism, and ADHD
- Ability to remain calm under pressure and respond positively to challenging behaviour
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build trusting relationships with pupils
- A patient, empathetic, and resilient attitude
- Good literacy, numeracy, and communication skills
- Understanding of safeguarding and child protection procedures
The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
- A genuine passion for supporting children with additional needs - specifically SEMH, Autism, ADHD and associated needs: anxiety, dysregulation, attachment issues and more.
- Confidence in managing behaviour positively and consistently - while maintaining professional boundaries and providing a positive environment.
- A proactive, flexible, and reflective approach to supporting learning - thinking outside the box, creating trusting working relationships with pupils.
- Experience working in SEN schools, PRUs, and alternative provisions - working with mixed age groups and similar needs.
- An understanding of trauma-informed practice or therapeutic approaches - whether in schools, provisions or placements.
- Willingness to work collaboratively within a team and engage in professional development—CPD, such as safeguarding, therapeutic approaches, and de-escalation training.
What We Offer
- A welcoming and inclusive school environment
- Supportive leadership and experienced SEND teams
- Regular CPD opportunities and training
- Opportunities for progression into teaching or specialist support roles
- Consistent long-term placement with potential for permanent employment
To Apply:
Click Apply Now to submit your CV and reach out to Jamie Martinez at Paker Smith Inclusion. We welcome applications from experienced SEN TAs, recent psychology or education graduates, and those with relevant youth work or care experience.