At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people with SEMH needs and build positive relationships.
- Company: Join a dedicated SEMH school in a beautiful rural setting.
- Benefits: Full-time salary, term time only, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Temp-to-perm pathway available; must be a driver.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEMH needs and strong behaviour management skills required.
Teaching Assistant / Learning Support Assistant / Classroom Assistant – SEMH School
Location: Horsham, West Sussex (Rural Location)
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm (Term Time Only)
Pay: £127 per day
Contract: Full-Time | Temp-to-Perm Pathway from Day One
Start Date: September
Driver Required
Are you an experienced Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant or Classroom Assistant with a passion for supporting young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs? Do you believe that strong relationships are the foundation for positive behaviour? Are you passionate about using connection before correction to help young people feel understood, valued and ready to learn?
Pink Tile Education is working in partnership with a fantastic SEMH school near Horsham, who are looking for a dedicated and resilient Teaching Assistant / Learning Support Assistant to join their team from September. This specialist Horsham school supports boys across primary and secondary age groups who have a range of SEMH needs. The school understands that behaviour is often a form of communication and takes a relationship-based approach to supporting students. The focus is on building trust, understanding individual needs and helping pupils develop the skills they need to regulate their emotions and succeed.
This role would suit someone who is confident supporting young people with challenging behaviour and understands that consistency, patience and empathy are key. You will be someone who can remain calm in difficult situations, build genuine connections with students and support them through moments of frustration, anxiety or dysregulation.
The school is set within a beautiful rural location, offering incredible grounds and specialist facilities that allow pupils to learn, develop and thrive in a safe and supportive environment. Please note: Due to the rural location of the school, you must be a driver with access to your own transport.
What You'll Be Doing
- Working as a Teaching Assistant / Learning Support Assistant supporting boys with SEMH needs.
- Building positive and trusting relationships with students through a connection-first approach.
- Supporting pupils across primary and secondary age groups.
- Using effective behaviour management strategies to support emotional regulation and engagement.
- Understanding the reasons behind behaviour and responding with patience and consistency.
- Helping students develop confidence, resilience and independence.
- Supporting learning both inside and outside of the classroom.
- Working alongside teachers, pastoral staff and the wider team to provide consistent support.
- Encouraging pupils to recognise their strengths and achieve their potential.
What We're Looking For
- Experience working as a Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant, Classroom Assistant, Youth Worker, Support Worker or similar.
- Experience supporting children or young people with SEMH needs.
- Strong behaviour management skills and confidence supporting challenging behaviour.
- An understanding of trauma-informed approaches and emotional regulation.
- Someone who believes in connection before correction and building relationships first.
- A calm, consistent and resilient approach.
- The ability to remain positive and patient when supporting students through difficult moments.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
- A full UK driving licence and access to transport is essential.
Why Join This Horsham SEMH School?
- A beautiful rural setting with exceptional facilities and outdoor spaces.
- A school that prioritises relationships, emotional wellbeing and pupil development.
- A supportive and experienced team who understand the needs of SEMH learners.
- Small class sizes allowing you to build meaningful relationships with students.
- A highly rewarding role where you can make a lasting difference.
- The opportunity to develop your skills in behaviour management and SEMH support.
- Temp-to-perm pathway from Day One – start through Pink Tile Education with the opportunity to secure a permanent role once you've demonstrated you're the right fit for the school.
- Permanent staff receive a full-time salary and are not pro-rata, despite working term time only, meaning you benefit from a full-time wage while enjoying school holidays.
Recruitment Timeline
- Interviews taking place in early September.
- September start available for the successful candidate.
Safeguarding Statement: 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, professional references and all other safer recruitment checks in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance.
Teaching Assistant - Social Emotional Mental Health in Horsham employer: Pink Tile Education Ltd
Join a nurturing and supportive nursery in Chichester where your contributions are genuinely valued and appreciated. With a strong emphasis on work-life balance, ongoing professional development, and a welcoming team environment, this role offers you the chance to make a meaningful impact on children's lives while enjoying consistent hours and the potential for long-term employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Teaching Assistant - Social Emotional Mental Health in Horsham
✨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 Teaching Assistant - Social Emotional Mental Health in Horsham
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.
