SEMH Teaching Assistant

Are you an experienced Teaching Assistant, Behaviour Support Worker, Youth Worker or Support Worker with a strong background supporting young people with SEMH and challenging behaviour?

We are seeking a resilient, confident and emotionally intelligent SEMH Teaching Assistant to join a specialist school in the Sutton area, starting ASAP.

This is not a typical classroom TA role. The school supports young people with complex Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs, including pupils who may experience challenging behaviour, emotional dysregulation, anxiety, trauma and difficulties engaging with education.

You will need to be calm and consistent under pressure, confident managing challenging situations, and able to build strong relationships with young people while maintaining clear and appropriate boundaries.

As an SEMH Teaching Assistant, you will:

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support for pupils with SEMH and additional needs.

• Support pupils both inside and outside the classroom.

• Build positive, trusting relationships with young people who may have significant barriers to education.

• Support emotional regulation, wellbeing, engagement and positive behaviour.

• Use effective de-escalation and behaviour management strategies when situations become challenging.

• Help pupils develop confidence, independence and appropriate coping strategies.

• Work closely with teachers, SENCOs, therapists and pastoral staff.

• Follow individual behaviour and support plans consistently.

• Monitor and record behaviour, wellbeing and progress.

• Help maintain a safe, structured and supportive environment.

We are looking for a strong SEMH practitioner, not simply someone with general classroom experience.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Strong experience supporting children or young people with SEMH and challenging behaviour.

• Experience in specialist education, PRUs, alternative provision, residential care, youth work, behaviour support or similar settings.

• Confidence working with pupils who may display high levels of challenging behaviour or emotional dysregulation.

• A calm, patient and highly resilient approach.

• Good knowledge of behaviour management and de-escalation techniques.

• The ability to establish boundaries while developing positive and trusting relationships.

• Strong communication skills and emotional intelligence.

• The ability to remain professional, consistent and composed during difficult situations.

• A proactive approach and the ability to work effectively as part of a wider team.

• Full UK driving licence and access to a car.

• Start Date: ASAP

• Position: Full-time, term-time

• Location: Sutton area

• Role: SEMH Teaching Assistant

• Experience: Strong SEMH and challenging behaviour experience essential

• Driving: Full UK licence and access to a car essential

• Pay: Competitive, depending on experience

The school is not easily accessible by public transport, so applicants must be able to travel independently.

• Supportive specialist SEMH team.

• Ongoing training and professional development.

• Valuable experience within a specialist setting.

• Opportunity to work alongside experienced teachers, therapists and pastoral professionals.

• A rewarding role where you can make a genuine difference to young people's lives.

If you are an experienced SEMH Teaching Assistant who is confident supporting challenging behaviour, resilient under pressure and passionate about helping young people overcome barriers to education, we'd love to hear from you.

This is a challenging but highly rewarding role. Strong SEMH experience is essential. Apply now for an ASAP start.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR VERITAS EDUCATION

• All applications are subject to an Enhanced DBS Disclosure, professional reference checks, Overseas Police Clearances (if applicable) in line with our stringent safeguarding policy
• Your CV must cover the last 10 years of employment history where possible and all employment breaks must be explained
• You must have legal right to work in the UK
• You must be willing to attend a registration interview

Veritas Education work with a variety of schools covering a wide geographical area. We deal with teaching placements at Primary, Secondary and college level as well as support staff positions also within these.

Disclaimer

'Nothing within the above advert was in any way designed or intended to discriminate on the grounds of age, gender, race, colour, religion, disability or sexual orientation. Veritas Education is an Equal opportunities employer and is proud in the knowledge that all placements are made on merit and suitability. We accept applications from all sections of the community.'