SEMH Teaching Assistant

Salary/Rate:£20496 - £26000
Job type:Permanent
Town/City:Crawley
County:West Sussex
Type of Role:Teaching Assistant/Learning Support Assistant
Job ref:9716
Post Date:12.06.25
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Meet Our Recruiter

About the Role

SEMH & Autism Teaching Assistant
Location: West Sussex
Salary: £20,496 – £26,000 per annum (depending on experience)
Contract Type: Permanent
Start Date: September 2025 
Parker Smith Inclusion

Are you passionate about supporting young people who feel misunderstood, disengaged, or excluded from mainstream education? Do you want to make a meaningful impact on pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs and Autism?

Parker Smith Inclusion is working in partnership with a specialist school in West Sussex to recruit a committed and resilient SEMH & Autism Teaching Assistant. The school supports primary and secondary pupils, many of whom have faced trauma, disrupted education, and complex behavioural needs – including potential gang affiliation and high levels of emotional distress.

About the Role:
You will support students on a 1:1 and small group basis (4–8 pupils per class), helping them engage with learning, develop emotional regulation skills, and build confidence in a nurturing and consistent environment. This is a highly rewarding role that requires empathy, patience, and the ability to remain calm in challenging situations.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Support learning and emotional development of pupils with SEMH and Autism

  • Assist in delivering a creative and flexible curriculum

  • Help manage behaviours using positive, trauma-informed strategies

  • Foster trusting relationships with students who may be disengaged from education

  • Work collaboratively with teachers, therapists, and support staff

Who We’re Looking For:

  • Experience supporting children or young people with SEND, SEMH, or behavioural needs (desirable)

  • Confidence working with challenging behaviour and emotionally vulnerable students

  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills

  • Calm, resilient, and nurturing with a passion for making a difference

  • Psychology graduates or candidates with youth work, care, or SEN backgrounds are very welcome to apply

What’s On Offer:

  • Permanent position through Parker Smith Inclusion

  • £20,496 – £26,000 per annum, based on experience

  • Full-time, term-time role

  • Extensive training and professional development in SEND and trauma-informed practice

  • A small, supportive school environment where you can make a lasting impact

How to Apply:
If you’re ready to take on a deeply rewarding role and help change the lives of young people who need it most, we’d love to hear from you.

Please send your CV and a short covering statement to Jamie Martinez at Parker Smith Inclusion.

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