SEMH Learning Support Assistant - Lambeth

SEMH Learning Support Assistant (LSA) - Special School 

Location: Lambeth, South East London

Start Date: ASAP

Hours: Full-time and Long-term

Pay: £93 - £100 PAYE per day

What does it take to help a pupil feel safe enough to learn when they are overwhelmed by their emotions or struggling to communicate their needs?

In a specialist setting supporting pupils with SEMH needs and autism, a trauma-informed approach is essential. Understanding that emotional dysregulation can present through behaviours that challenge allows staff to respond with empathy, consistency, and compassion. Building trust, prioritising emotional safety, and supporting co-regulation are key to helping pupils feel understood and ready to learn.

I am currently working with a specialist school in South East London seeking dedicated SEMH Learning Support Assistants / Teaching Assistants for full-time, long-term-to-permanent positions.

What Your Week Could Look Like

One morning, you support an autistic pupil who finds change and transitions overwhelming. Using a calm, consistent and trauma-informed approach, you help them feel safe, manage their emotions and prepare for the day ahead.

Later in the week, you work with pupils with SEMH needs, helping them navigate emotional dysregulation, build positive relationships and develop strategies to manage difficult feelings. You recognise that behaviours that challenge can be a sign of distress, unmet needs or difficulty communicating, responding with empathy, patience and clear boundaries.

Another day, you work alongside the class teacher to support learning, encourage engagement and help pupils develop confidence, emotional regulation and independence. You adapt your approach to each individual, understanding that trust and emotional safety are essential to learning.

These moments may seem small, but for pupils with autism and SEMH needs, feeling understood, building trust and learning to manage overwhelming emotions can represent significant progress.

What the Role Involves

• Providing 1:1 and small-group support for pupils with autism and SEMH needs.
• Building trusting relationships through a consistent, nurturing and trauma-informed approach.
• Recognising emotional dysregulation and understanding how distress and unmet needs can present through behaviours that challenge.
• Supporting pupils to manage emotions through co-regulation, reassurance and clear boundaries.
• Helping pupils navigate transitions, anxiety and challenging situations while maintaining emotional safety.
• Encouraging positive relationships, confidence, independence and engagement in learning.
• Working collaboratively with teachers and support staff to meet individual needs and promote pupil wellbeing.

Who Should Apply?

This role would suit someone who is passionate about supporting children and young people with additional needs and understands the importance of personalised education.

You may be:

PS Inclusion recruits exclusively for SEND roles, with placements focused on long-term and permanent opportunities.

Before introducing candidates to a school, the team takes the time to understand their experience, strengths, and the type of setting in which they would thrive. The aim is to connect educators with opportunities that suit their skills and allow them to make a meaningful difference.

With more than 1,500 educators placed and over 400 five-star Google reviews, the team is recognised for its efficiency and supportive approach throughout the recruitment process.

How to Apply

If you are an experienced HLTA or Senior Teaching Assistant looking for an opportunity to make a genuine difference in a specialist autism and complex needs school, we would love to hear from you.

With an ASAP start, flexible working options, and the opportunity to support pupils with a diverse range of needs, this could be your next step in SEND education.

Apply today to find out more and arrange an interview!

Reach out to Jamie at Jamie@psinclusion.co.uk.