HLTA - SEMH Behaviour Support
Location Barking and Dagenham
Pay £100 to £130 per day PAYE
Full time Temp to Perm
Start date September
Every day in this school is about relationships structure and consistency. For the young people here trust is not given quickly it is built through calm boundaries clear expectations and adults who do not give up.
A specialist SEND school in Barking and Dagenham is looking for an experienced Higher Level Teaching Assistant to join their team supporting pupils with Social Emotional and Mental Health needs. Many of the young people present with highly challenging behaviour trauma backgrounds and significant barriers to engagement in learning.
This is a school where behaviour support is not reactive or punitive. It is relational consistent and rooted in understanding what each child is communicating through their behaviour.
This is a temp to perm opportunity starting in September offering the chance to secure a long term role in a highly supportive specialist setting.
The role
You will be working closely with teachers and the wider pastoral and inclusion team to support pupils both inside and outside of the classroom. Your work will include
Leading learning activities with individuals and small groups adapting delivery to maintain engagement
Supporting pupils with SEMH needs to regulate emotions and access learning in a safe and structured way
Using de escalation strategies and trauma informed approaches to manage behaviour positively and safely
Building strong professional relationships with pupils who may present with verbal and physical challenging behaviour
Supporting classroom routines structure and boundaries to ensure consistency across the school day
Providing cover across classes when required while maintaining a calm and predictable presence
What we are looking for
This role would suit someone who has
Experience working as a Higher Level Teaching Assistant or strong SEND TA experience ready to step up
Experience supporting children or young people with SEMH needs and challenging behaviour
Confidence working in environments where behaviour can be unpredictable and emotionally demanding
A calm consistent and resilient approach under pressure
A strong understanding of behaviour as communication
A genuine interest in supporting young people who need stability structure and adult consistency
Why this school stands out
A specialist SEMH environment with clear structures and strong leadership support
A highly trained staff team experienced in trauma informed and relational practice
A focus on consistency boundaries and restorative approaches rather than exclusion
Regular training and development opportunities for all staff
A team culture where staff are supported debriefed and genuinely looked after
Why this opportunity is different
This is not a mainstream classroom support role. This is a specialist environment where your ability to build relationships manage behaviour and stay consistent will directly shape pupil outcomes. The temp to perm structure means you can settle into the school and secure a long term role if it is the right fit.
Why work with Parker Smith Inclusion
We are a specialist SEND consultancy focused on long term fit rather than quick placement. We work closely with schools and candidates to ensure the environment is right for you and that you are set up to succeed.
Interested?
If you are looking for a role where behaviour support is meaningful structured and relationship led we would be happy to speak with you.
Contact Elisha at elisha@psinclusion.co.uk