At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children’s mental health and emotional wellbeing in a school setting.
- Company: Specialist school in Chippenham dedicated to supporting children with diverse needs.
- Benefits: Competitive daily pay, full-time hours, and hands-on experience in education and mental health.
- Other info: Great opportunity for aspiring professionals in psychology, education, and therapy.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while gaining valuable skills for your future career.
- Qualifications: Compassionate, patient, and reliable individuals with an interest in mental health.
The predicted salary is between 23400 - 28600 £ per year.
Are you passionate about helping children feel supported, understood, and confident at school?
Would you like to gain practical experience in education, mental health, psychology, or therapeutic support while making a positive difference to children’s everyday lives?
A specialist school in Chippenham, Wiltshire is seeking a caring and enthusiastic Mental Health Teaching Assistant to join its dedicated support team.
The school works with children aged 5-16 who may have Autism, Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, anxiety, emotional regulation difficulties, and additional learning requirements.
This role provides an excellent opportunity to work alongside teachers, SEN professionals, therapists, and other specialist staff while developing your understanding of the connection between children’s emotional wellbeing and their ability to engage with education.
Your Role
As a Mental Health Teaching Assistant, you will provide personalised support to children who may experience challenges with their emotions, behaviour, confidence, relationships, or engagement with learning.
You will spend time building trusting relationships and helping children develop practical strategies that enable them to manage difficult situations more positively.
Your responsibilities may include
- Providing one-to-one and small-group support tailored to individual children’s needs.
- Helping children recognise, understand, and communicate their emotions.
- Supporting children experiencing anxiety, low confidence, emotional dysregulation, or social difficulties.
- Helping children develop appropriate strategies for managing stress and challenging situations.
- Encouraging children to return to learning following periods of anxiety, distress, or disengagement.
- Promoting positive behaviour through calm, consistent, and supportive approaches.
- Developing children’s communication, social skills, confidence, and independence.
- Providing a reassuring presence during challenging moments.
- Working closely with teachers and SEN staff to follow individual support strategies.
About You
The ideal candidate will be compassionate, patient, reliable, and emotionally resilient, with a genuine interest in children’s mental health and wellbeing.
You should be comfortable building professional relationships with children and able to remain calm and consistent when situations become challenging.
Previous experience within education, childcare, mental health, SEND, youth work, care, or support work would be advantageous.
However, this position could also be an excellent opportunity for graduates and aspiring professionals looking to gain relevant experience before pursuing further study or training.
- The role could be particularly valuable for individuals interested in careers such as:
- Clinical Psychology
- Educational Psychology
- Counselling
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health
- Social Work
- Occupational Therapy
- Teaching
- Special Educational Needs
What We Offer
- £85-£110 per day, depending on experience.
- Full-time, Monday to Friday position.
- September 2026 start.
- PAYE weekly pay.
- Practical experience supporting children’s mental health and emotional wellbeing within education.
- The opportunity to learn from experienced teachers, therapists, SEN professionals, and support staff.
- Experience supporting children with Autism, SEMH, anxiety, and additional needs.
- Development of communication, behaviour support, safeguarding, and relationship-building skills.
- Valuable experience for future careers in psychology, education, therapy, and mental health services.
- A Rewarding Opportunity
Working as a Mental Health Teaching Assistant gives you the opportunity to become a trusted and consistent source of support for children who may find aspects of school challenging.
Salary will be determined by the successful candidate’s qualifications and relevant experience, and will be in accordance with the client’s pay policy.
Salary
Job Type
Permanent
Location
- Chippenham, Wiltshire
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Mental Health TA – Full Time – Chippenham employer: Catering
Join a thriving manufacturing team in Ossett, where your skills as an Assembly Operative will be valued and rewarded. With a competitive salary of £13.00 per hour and opportunities for overtime, you will benefit from a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. This role not only offers job security with a permanent position after three months but also the chance to work with a variety of tools in a dynamic environment, making it an excellent choice for those seeking meaningful employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mental Health TA – Full Time – Chippenham
✨Connect Through Professional Networks
Join associations related to therapy and counselling, like the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). They often have job boards, events, and forums where you can meet potential employers and like-minded professionals. Being active in these spaces can give you a significant edge.
✨Show Up at Local Mental Health Events
Look for workshops, seminars, and conferences focused on mental health in your area. Not only can you learn valuable insights, but you can also network with professionals who might be aware of full-time opportunities, like the ones at Catering. Plus, showing your passion for the field in person can leave a lasting impression.
✨Utilise Online Platforms Tailored to Counselling
Websites like TherapyJobs or Indeed specifically cater to therapy professionals. Make sure to check these regularly for new listings, and consider setting up alerts to stay ahead of the game. Plus, applying directly through these platforms can sometimes give you better visibility.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you’re recently graduated or still in school, don't forget to tap into your university's career resources. They often have exclusive listings for full-time positions and can help you refine your interview skills. Plus, they might connect you with alumni who’re already working at places like Catering.
We think you need these skills to ace Mental Health TA – Full Time – Chippenham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Qualifications:Make sure to showcase any relevant qualifications you've completed, such as a degree in psychology or counselling certifications. This is super important in the therapy and counselling field, so don’t skip over these details in your CV.
Showcase Your Empathy Skills:In your cover letter, it's essential to demonstrate your empathy and communication skills, which are key in therapy. Share specific examples from your previous experiences where you've effectively helped someone through a tough time—this will make your application stand out.
Demonstrate Your Continued Learning:We love seeing candidates who are committed to ongoing professional development. Mention any workshops, seminars, or additional training you’ve attended recently. This not only boosts your CV but shows your passion for the field.
Personalise Your Application for Catering:Take some time to research Catering and reflect this understanding in your application. Explain why you’re interested in working with them specifically and how your values align with their approach—this personal touch can make all the difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at Catering
✨Show Your Empathy and Communication Skills
In therapy and counselling, it's all about how well you connect with others. Be ready to share examples of how you've demonstrated empathy, active listening, and non-verbal communication in past experiences. Your ability to create rapport with clients is key, so let that shine through!
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face some scenario-based questions that assess your practical skills in dealing with clients. Think of various client situations or challenges you've encountered or could encounter. Practice how you would respond, ensuring you highlight your problem-solving abilities and therapeutic techniques.
✨Highlight Your Continuing Education
Being in a full-time role in therapy means you need to stay updated with the latest techniques and theories. Mention any professional development courses you've taken recently, or plans you have for ongoing education. This shows that you’re committed to growth in your field and eager to help your clients with the best approaches.
✨Finesse Your Personal Statement
In therapy, your personal statement is a chance to showcase who you are beyond your qualifications. Tailor it to not just highlight your credentials but also your passion for helping others. Share personal stories or insights that led you to this profession, reinforcing why you'd be a great fit for Catering's values and approach.
