At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable young people with SEMH needs through 1:1 and group guidance.
- Company: Specialist SEMH provision in Hounslow focused on nurturing and therapeutic education.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible hours, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to personal development and wellbeing.
- Why this job: Be a positive role model and help students thrive emotionally and academically.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEMH or behavioural needs; patience and empathy are key.
Pay: £108.00-£115.00
Hours: Monday – Friday | Full-time/Part-time
Start Date: ASAP
Are you passionate about supporting vulnerable young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs? Do you have the resilience, empathy and emotional intelligence to make a meaningful difference every single day? We are currently recruiting for a committed Mental Health Teaching Assistant to join a specialist SEMH provision in Hounslow. This is a highly rewarding opportunity to support pupils who require consistent pastoral guidance, emotional regulation support, and positive role modelling to re-engage with education.
About the School
This specialist SEMH setting supports young people who have experienced significant barriers to learning, including trauma, adverse childhood experiences, behavioural challenges, and unmet emotional needs. The school provides a structured, nurturing and therapeutic environment where pupil welfare is at the heart of everything they do. With smaller class sizes and a high staff-to-student ratio, the school prioritises relationship-building, consistency, and personalised support. A strong safeguarding and pastoral framework ensures that pupils feel safe, understood, and supported both academically and emotionally. The leadership team promotes a trauma-informed and restorative approach to behaviour. Staff work collaboratively across pastoral, teaching and therapeutic teams to develop individual support plans that focus on emotional regulation, resilience, and long-term personal development. This is a setting where patience, empathy and consistency are essential, and where staff genuinely see the impact of their work.
The Role
As a Mental Health Teaching Assistant you will:
- Provide intensive 1:1 and small-group pastoral and welfare support
- Support pupils with SEMH needs, helping them develop emotional regulation strategies
- Act as a positive role model, promoting resilience and self-belief
- De-escalate challenging situations using trauma-informed and restorative approaches
- Support pupils during lessons, transitions, and unstructured times
- Contribute to individual behaviour and welfare plans
- Liaise closely with teaching staff, SENCO, DSL and external professionals
- Monitor wellbeing, attendance and engagement
This role would suit individuals with experience in SEMH schools, alternative provisions, youth work, mentoring, care work, or outreach support.
The Ideal Candidate Will
- Have experience working with young people with SEMH or behavioural needs
- Be calm, emotionally resilient, and consistent under pressure
- Understand trauma-informed practice and restorative approaches
- Have strong safeguarding knowledge and awareness of child protection procedures
- Be confident managing and de-escalating challenging behaviour
- Be patient, empathetic and genuinely passionate about supporting vulnerable pupils
- Team Teach or de-escalation training is desirable but not essential.
Apply now! sam.woodruff@milk-education.co.uk 01483 323 100
Mental Health Teaching Assistant employer: Milk Education
Join a dedicated team at our specialist SEMH provision in Hounslow, where your passion for supporting vulnerable young people will be met with a nurturing work culture and a commitment to professional growth. We offer competitive pay, a supportive environment with smaller class sizes, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on students' lives every day. With a strong focus on emotional wellbeing and collaborative practices, you will thrive in a role that values resilience, empathy, and personal development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mental Health Teaching Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the education sector, especially those working with SEMH needs. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get an interview, share your experiences and why you care about supporting vulnerable young people. Authenticity goes a long way in making a connection.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for scenario questions! Think about how you would handle specific situations with pupils who have SEMH needs. This shows you understand the role and are ready to make a difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Mental Health Teaching Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for supporting vulnerable young people shine through. Share personal experiences or motivations that drive you to work in this field, as it’ll resonate with us and show you’re the right fit for the role.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight relevant experience with SEMH needs. Use specific examples of how you've supported young people in the past, focusing on emotional regulation and resilience-building strategies.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so avoid jargon and ensure your key skills and experiences are easy to spot. This helps us see your potential quickly!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our values there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Milk Education
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the key aspects of SEMH needs and trauma-informed practices. Brush up on your knowledge about emotional regulation strategies and how to support vulnerable young people. This will show that you're genuinely passionate and prepared for the role.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
During the interview, share specific examples from your past experiences where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Talk about situations where you've successfully supported someone in need, as this will highlight your ability to connect with pupils who require that extra care.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask the interviewers about their approach to supporting students with SEMH needs. This not only shows your interest in the role but also gives you a chance to gauge if the school's values align with yours.
✨Be Yourself
Authenticity is key! Let your personality shine through during the interview. The school is looking for someone who can build genuine relationships with students, so being yourself will help them see how you can fit into their nurturing environment.
