SEMH Teaching Assistant in London

A specialist SEMH school is seeking a dedicated and resilient Teaching Assistant to join their supportive team. This role involves working with pupils who have Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, providing 1:1 and small-group support both within the school environment and during transitions between home and school.

This opportunity would suit someone with experience as a Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant (LSA), Support Worker, Care Worker, Youth Worker, Behaviour Mentor, or similar. However, applicants from related backgrounds such as mental health, sport, care, or youth work are also encouraged to apply.

The school is committed to helping pupils overcome barriers to education and requires staff who can build positive relationships, provide consistency, and support pupils to engage with learning.

The Role Will Involve:

• Supporting pupils 1:1 and in small groups throughout the school day
• Building positive, trusting relationships with pupils who may struggle to engage with education
• Supporting pupils with SEMH needs, behavioural challenges, and emotional regulation
• Assisting pupils with transitions from home into school
• Working alongside families and carers to help pupils access education successfully
• Supporting learning activities both in school and, where required, within the home environment
• Creating and maintaining a safe, positive, and engaging learning environment

Who We're Looking For:

• Kind, patient, and resilient individuals
• Strong communicators who can build rapport with pupils and families
• Emotionally resilient and able to remain calm in challenging situations
• Confident in supporting behaviour and emotional regulation
• Previous SEMH or SEND experience is desirable but not essential if you can demonstrate relevant transferable skills

This is a rewarding opportunity to make a genuine difference in the lives of young people, helping them overcome barriers to education while working within a highly supportive school environment.

Essential requirements:

• Right to work in the UK - we are unable to offer Sponsorship or accept Skilled Worker visas.
• Able to provide two recent references (from the last two years).
• Hold a current DBS check registered on the Update Service, or be willing to apply for one.

What can Five Education offer you?

• Free specialised training in areas such as Team Teach, Makaton, PMLD/SLD Awareness, Autism Awareness, and more
• Free DBS (refunded when you work 20 days)
• Recommending a friend bonus scheme
• Specialist support/mentoring while you are working

If you think this could be a job for you, please get in touch to find out more. We are always available for an informal chat if you want to find out more about whether this role is suited to you.

Pay: Five Education operates a PAYE payroll; this is the most transparent way to be paid with no hidden fees such as admin fee or employer's NI. Please note pay rate is for illustration and does include holiday pay.

Vetting: Five Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all of the staff we employ to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to undergo checks including reference checks, TRA checks and will need to have a DBS; there will also be an interview.

We welcome and encourage job applications from people of all backgrounds. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as they are currently under-represented at this level.