Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support pupils with SEMH needs and deliver tailored learning experiences.
- Company: Join the Opossum Federation, a supportive and innovative educational community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, tailored CPD, and a focus on staff well-being.
- Other info: Work in a well-resourced environment with modern technology and strong support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while growing your career in education.
- Qualifications: Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification and relevant experience in primary or SEND settings.
The predicted salary is between 30288 - 32070 £ per year.
The Opossum Federation is seeking a dedicated and resilient individual to join the founding team of a brand-new Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) provision at Thorpe Hall Primary School. This is a pivotal initiative designed to provide high-quality, specialised support for pupils with complex needs, with plans to expand the provision to 10 places.
Role Overview
- Workplace: Thorpe Hall Primary School, Walthamstow.
- Salary: Scale 4 Points 7-11 (Outer London). £30,288 - £32,070 FTE (£26,059.07 - £27,592.26 Pro rata).
- Contract: Permanent, 36 hours per week, 44.86 weeks per year.
- Start Date: September 2026.
Key Responsibilities
- Support & Implementation: Prepare and deliver specialized learning support tailored to pupils with complex SEMH needs and assist in assessing small-step progress.
- Behavioral Support: Implement school policies using trauma-informed practice and positive behaviour approaches.
- Pupil Integration: Support the review of EHCP targets and the reintegration of pupils into mainstream education.
- Collaboration: Liaise with families and external professionals (such as CAMHS and EPS) to provide holistic support.
Candidate Requirements
- Qualifications: A Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification (or equivalent) and appropriate first aid training.
- Experience: Relevant experience in a Primary or Early Years setting. Experience in specialized SEND settings or with SEMH needs is highly desirable.
- Knowledge: An understanding of the SEN Code of Practice, EHCP processes, and various therapeutic interventions.
- Personal Attributes: Resilience, effective communication skills, and a commitment to promoting high standards of behaviour and inclusive education.
Why Join the Opossum Federation?
- Supportive Culture: Benefit from a tailored CPD program, a comprehensive induction for new staff, and a strong focus on staff well-being and workload reduction.
- Proven Excellence: Join a family of schools where two are rated 'Outstanding' and two are rated 'Good' by Ofsted.
- Modern Resources: Work in a well-resourced environment featuring Google for Education integration and dedicated staff devices.
How to Apply
- Application Method: Download an application pack from any Opossum Federation school website.
- Submission: Send completed applications to hr@opossumed.org.
- Closing Date: Sunday 10 May 2026.
- Interviews: Scheduled for the week commencing 18 May 2026.
Safeguarding Note: All appointments are subject to pre-employment checks, including enhanced DBS clearance and satisfactory references. Candidates must submit a self-disclosure form with their application.
Equal Opportunities
Waltham Forest is a diverse borough where diversity is valued and is integral to both service delivery and employment of its staff. The Council is proud of its rich mix of communities and as the largest employer in the area, it works hard to respond to the changing needs of its population. We use our statutory duties on race, gender and disability equality and best practice in respect of age, faith and sexual orientation to ensure equality of opportunity in the workplace. The Council is committed to meeting its 4 equality objectives:
- Promoting equality of opportunity
- Opposing all forms of discrimination, intolerance and disadvantage
- Ensuring our workforce reflects the diverse communities of Waltham Forest at all levels.
- Providing fair, appropriate, accessible and excellent Services to all.
Respecting Diversity is a core Council value. To support the above and reduce the risk of bias in its recruitment activities, the council is operating an anonymous shortlisting process, which hides personal information that can identify individuals until their application has been considered for shortlisting. The council also operates a scheme whereby, for jobs graded up to and including scale SO2, internal candidates are considered first. This includes those candidates who self-identify as having a disability for the purposes of the Disability Confident scheme.
Level 3 SEMH Teaching Assistant employer: London Borough of Waltham Forest
Contact Detail:
London Borough of Waltham Forest Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Level 3 SEMH Teaching Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Thorpe Hall Primary School and The Opossum Federation. Understanding their values and mission will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff members on LinkedIn or through local education events. They can provide insider tips about the school culture and what they look for in a Level 3 SEMH Teaching Assistant.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for behavioural questions! Think about your past experiences working with SEMH needs and how you’ve handled challenging situations. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers clearly.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and keen to join the Opossum Federation family right from the start!
We think you need these skills to ace Level 3 SEMH Teaching Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for supporting pupils with SEMH needs shine through. We want to see why you’re excited about this role and how your experiences align with our mission at The Opossum Federation.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight relevant experience and skills that match the job description. We love seeing how your background fits into our vision for a supportive learning environment at Thorpe Hall Primary School.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your qualifications and experiences are easy to read and understand. This helps us get a quick grasp of what you bring to the table!
Follow Submission Guidelines: Don’t forget to follow the application instructions carefully! Download the application pack from our website and send it to the provided email address. We want to make sure your application gets to us without any hiccups!
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Waltham Forest
✨Know Your SEMH Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. Familiarise yourself with the SEN Code of Practice and EHCP processes, as these will likely come up in your interview. Being able to discuss specific strategies for supporting pupils with complex needs will show that you're serious about the role.
✨Showcase Your Resilience
As a Level 3 SEMH Teaching Assistant, resilience is key. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed challenging situations or supported students through tough times. This will demonstrate your ability to handle the demands of the role and your commitment to fostering a positive learning environment.
✨Communicate Effectively
Effective communication is crucial in this role, especially when liaising with families and external professionals. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. You might even want to prepare a few questions to ask during the interview to show your engagement and interest in collaboration.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Highlight your experience working as part of a team, particularly in educational settings. The Opossum Federation values collaboration, so be ready to discuss how you've worked with teachers, parents, and other professionals to support students. Sharing specific examples will help illustrate your ability to contribute positively to the school's culture.