Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with SEMH needs and complex behaviours in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Specialist SEMH primary school in Reading, focused on child-centred learning.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, hands-on experience, and mentoring from professionals.
- Why this job: Gain valuable experience for a future career in Educational Psychology or mental health.
- Qualifications: Graduates in Psychology or related fields; passion for child mental health is key.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities to observe and learn from specialists.
The predicted salary is between 22000 - 29000 £ per year.
A specialist SEMH primary school in Reading is seeking a Mental Health Assistant / SEN Teaching Assistant to support children aged 4–11 with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs and complex behaviours. This role is well suited to graduates considering a future career in Educational Psychology, mental health, therapeutic support, or SEN teaching, and offers excellent hands‑on experience in a specialist setting.
The Teaching Assistant - Mental Health role:
- Support pupils with SEMH and complex needs on a 1:1 and small‑group basis
- Assist with emotional regulation, behaviour support, and classroom engagement
- Work closely with teachers, therapists, counsellors, and educational psychologists
- Help maintain a safe, structured, and nurturing learning environment
- Build positive, consistent relationships with pupils
What the school offers to the Teaching Assistant - Mental Health:
- Daily exposure to on‑site therapists and educational psychologists
- Mentoring and opportunities to observe specialist professionals
- Strong hands‑on experience in SEMH and SEN support
- A supportive, child‑centred specialist environment
Ideal candidate:
- Graduates in Psychology, Counselling, Criminology, or related fields (other degrees considered)
- Genuine interest in child mental health and SEN
- Resilient, proactive, and confident supporting challenging behaviour
- Previous SEN or mental health experience desirable but not essential
Key details:
- Start: ASAP
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30am–3:30pm
- Location: Reading, Berkshire
Teaching Assistant (Mental Health) in Reading employer: Academics Ltd
Contact Detail:
Academics Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Teaching Assistant (Mental Health) in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your university alumni or local education professionals. They might have insider info on openings or even recommend you directly, which can give you a leg up.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the school and its approach to SEMH. Show them you’re genuinely interested in their methods and how you can contribute to their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to mental health and SEN. We want you to feel confident and ready to showcase your passion for supporting children.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step!
We think you need these skills to ace Teaching Assistant (Mental Health) in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights any relevant experience or qualifications related to mental health and SEN. We want to see how your background fits with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your skills!
Craft a Personal Statement: Your personal statement is your chance to shine! Share your passion for child mental health and why you’re interested in this role. We love seeing genuine enthusiasm, so let your personality come through.
Be Specific About Your Experience: If you’ve worked with children before, especially those with SEMH needs, make sure to detail that experience. We’re looking for candidates who can demonstrate their ability to support and engage with pupils effectively.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you on our radar quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Academics Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of children with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) challenges. Research the school’s approach to supporting these pupils and be ready to discuss how your background in psychology or counselling can contribute to their development.
✨Show Your Passion
Express your genuine interest in child mental health and special educational needs during the interview. Share any relevant experiences or insights that demonstrate your commitment to making a positive impact on children's lives.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you would handle challenging behaviours or support emotional regulation. Think of specific examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed similar situations, as this will showcase your practical skills.
✨Build Rapport
During the interview, aim to build a connection with the interviewers. Show your ability to form positive relationships by being friendly, approachable, and engaging. This is crucial for a role that involves working closely with children and other professionals.
