At a Glance
- Tasks: Support boys with SEMH needs in a structured and nurturing environment.
- Company: Join a fantastic specialist SEMH boys school in a beautiful rural setting.
- Benefits: Earn £127 per day with a temp to perm opportunity after 12 weeks.
- Other info: Full-time role with excellent support and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable young people.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEND/SEMH, strong relationship-building skills, and a calm approach.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Teaching Assistant – SEMH Boys School
Rural Billingshurst Area
Full-Time | 8:30am – 4:00pm | £127 per day | Temp to Perm
Pink Tile Education are working in partnership with a fantastic specialist SEMH boys school located in a rural setting near Billingshurst, who are seeking a resilient, experienced, and passionate Teaching Assistant to join their team on a long‑term basis, with the opportunity to move into a permanent role. This is an incredible school set within extensive grounds with outstanding facilities, providing a structured and supportive environment for boys aged approximately 5–16 (primary and secondary phases) who present with social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs. Many pupils have experienced trauma, disrupted education, anxiety, or behavioural challenges, and may present with highly challenging behaviour, including verbal and physical dysregulation. Staff must be confident, calm, and consistent in their approach, with a strong focus on relationship‑building, de‑escalation, and positive behaviour support.
A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle is essential due to the rural location of the school.
The Ideal Candidate Will:
- Have strong experience working with SEND and SEMH pupils
- Be resilient, calm, and confident in managing challenging behaviour
- Have a good understanding of mental health and trauma‑informed practice
- Be able to build strong, trusting relationships with pupils who may struggle to engage
- Be confident using de‑escalation strategies and behaviour support techniques
- Be proactive, adaptable, and committed to supporting vulnerable young people
- Have experience in education, youth work, care, residential care, sports coaching, or mental health support (desirable)
- A background in mental health, psychology, or therapeutic support is a strong advantage
The Role:
- Supporting primary and secondary aged boys with SEMH needs
- Working both inside and outside the classroom to support engagement and regulation
- Managing and supporting challenging behaviour using consistent and calm approaches
- Building positive relationships to support learning and emotional development
- Working closely with teachers, pastoral teams, and wider staff
Full‑time role: 8:30am – 4:00pm
£127 per day
Temp to perm opportunity after 12 working weeks
This is a highly rewarding opportunity for someone who thrives in a challenging but supportive environment and is passionate about making a real difference in the lives of young people with SEMH needs.
Pink Tile Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, reference checks, and safer recruitment procedures in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidelines.
If you are interested in this opportunity, please apply with your CV today or contact Lucy at Pink Tile Education for more information.
Secondary SEMH Teaching Assistant in Billingshurst employer: Pink Tile Education Ltd
Pink Tile Education is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for its staff. Located in the serene rural setting near Billingshurst, the school offers extensive facilities and a strong focus on professional development, ensuring that employees have ample opportunities for growth while making a meaningful impact on the lives of young people with SEMH needs. With a commitment to safeguarding and a culture that values resilience and relationship-building, this role promises not only a rewarding career but also the chance to be part of a compassionate community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Secondary SEMH Teaching Assistant in Billingshurst
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Pink Tile Education Ltd.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Pink Tile Education Ltd!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Pink Tile Education Ltd, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Pink Tile Education Ltd or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Secondary SEMH Teaching Assistant in Billingshurst
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Pink Tile Education Ltd:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Pink Tile Education Ltd! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pink Tile Education Ltd
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.