At a Glance
- Tasks: Support pupils with SEMH needs, helping them engage and thrive in a caring environment.
- Company: A supportive specialist school in Central London with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Earn £500 per week, enjoy long-term placement, and receive excellent support from staff.
- Other info: Opportunity for a permanent contract and professional growth in a dynamic setting.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your skills in a rewarding role.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEMH needs and a commitment to supporting vulnerable pupils.
The predicted salary is between 26000 - 39000 € per year.
We are working with a supportive specialist school in Central London to recruit an SEMH Teaching Assistant. This is a brilliant opportunity for someone who is committed to helping pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs access education, build confidence, and achieve personal bests in a structured, caring setting.
The school offers strong routines, an experienced pastoral team, and a collaborative staff culture focused on consistent, relationship-led support.
The role
- Provide 1:1 and small group support for pupils with SEMH needs.
- Help pupils regulate emotions, manage transitions, and engage positively with learning.
- Support behaviour for learning using school strategies and clear boundaries.
- Work alongside teachers and pastoral staff to implement individual support plans.
- Build trusting relationships that help pupils feel safe, understood, and motivated.
- Promote social skills, resilience, and independence throughout the school day.
We are looking for
This role requires specific SEMH experience. We would like to hear from candidates who have:
- Direct experience supporting children or young people with SEMH needs in a school, alternative provision, PRU, or specialist setting.
- A strong understanding of trauma-informed practice, attachment-aware approaches, emotional regulation, and de-escalation strategies.
- A calm, consistent, and resilient approach, especially in challenging moments.
- The ability to build positive relationships while maintaining firm, fair boundaries.
- A genuine commitment to improving outcomes for pupils who need a stable and understanding adult in school.
Desirable (but not essential):
- Team Teach or similar positive handling training.
- Experience with ADHD, anxiety, ASD alongside SEMH.
- Youth work, mentoring, or behaviour support background.
What’s on offer
- £500 per week PAYE.
- Long-term, full-time placement with potential for a permanent contract.
- Excellent support from teachers, SENCO, and pastoral leads.
- A rewarding role where your impact will be felt daily.
If you have specific SEMH experience and are looking for your next full-time role in Central London, apply today. Shortlisted applicants will be contacted to discuss the school, setting, and start date in more detail. All applicants will be subject to safeguarding checks and must hold (or be willing to obtain) an enhanced DBS on the update service.
Locations
Mental Health Practitioner in Hampshire, Portsmouth employer: Ribbons & Reeves
Join a dedicated team at a specialist school in Central London, where your role as a Mental Health Practitioner will be pivotal in supporting pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs. With a strong emphasis on professional development, a collaborative work culture, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in students' lives, this position offers not just a job, but a rewarding career path in a nurturing environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mental Health Practitioner in Hampshire, Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector, especially those who work with SEMH needs. They might know of openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to SEMH support. Think about your experiences and how they align with the role. We want you to shine when it’s your time to impress!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for helping pupils with SEMH needs. Share stories that highlight your commitment and understanding of trauma-informed practices. This will resonate with schools looking for dedicated practitioners.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way in landing that dream job.
We think you need these skills to ace Mental Health Practitioner in Hampshire, Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for supporting pupils with SEMH needs shine through. Share personal experiences or motivations that led you to this field, as it helps us see your genuine commitment.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your specific SEMH experience and skills. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate that you understand what we’re looking for and how you fit the bill.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your qualifications and experiences without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ribbons & Reeves
✨Know Your SEMH Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs. Be ready to discuss specific strategies you've used in the past to support pupils, like emotional regulation techniques or de-escalation methods. This shows you're not just familiar with the terms but have practical experience.
✨Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills
During the interview, share examples of how you've built trusting relationships with students. Talk about times when you’ve helped a pupil feel safe and understood, and how that positively impacted their learning. This is crucial for the role, so make it a focal point!
✨Demonstrate Calmness Under Pressure
Expect questions about challenging situations. Prepare to discuss how you’ve maintained a calm and consistent approach during difficult moments. Highlight any specific instances where your resilience made a difference in a pupil's behaviour or emotional state.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the school's approach to SEMH support, the pastoral team’s structure, or how they implement individual support plans. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
