Pay: £90.00-£100.00 per day
Job Description:
SEMH Teaching Assistant – Trauma-Informed Alternative Provision
Hanworth | PAYE | £90–£100 per day | Full-time | ASAP / Next Half Term
This is not a quiet classroom role.
This role is for adults who understand that behaviour is communication, that consistency builds trust, and that relationships come before learning.
This specialist SEMH setting supports children and young people whose education has been disrupted by trauma, anxiety, attachment differences, ADHD, and social or emotional needs. Many pupils have experienced instability, exclusion, or repeated breakdowns in mainstream settings. They need adults who can remain steady when emotions are not.
If you are emotionally intelligent, resilient, and genuinely committed to SEMH, this role offers meaningful, demanding, and impactful work.
The Setting
You will be working in a small, highly structured SEMH environment designed to re-engage pupils who cannot currently cope in mainstream education.
The approach is relational, trauma-informed, and grounded in:
- Emotional regulation before academic demand
- Clear, consistent boundaries delivered calmly
- Predictable routines with flexibility when pupils are overwhelmed
- Understanding behaviour through attachment and trauma lenses
Class sizes are small, staffing is intentional, and teamwork is essential.
Your Day-to-Day Role
As an SEMH Teaching Assistant, you will:
- Support pupils 1:1 and in small groups throughout the school day
- Help pupils regulate emotions and behaviour during moments of distress
- Model calm, respectful communication at all times
- Support learning activities adapted to pupils’ emotional and cognitive readiness
- De-escalate challenging situations safely and consistently
- Build trusting relationships with pupils who may initially resist adults
- Work closely with teachers and pastoral staff to maintain structure and safety
The Honest Part
This role can be intense.
Pupils may present with verbal aggression, withdrawal, refusal, or emotional shutdown. Progress is rarely linear. Some days are about containment rather than curriculum.
This work requires patience, reflection, and emotional stamina. It is not suitable for anyone seeking an easy or predictable role.
For the right person, however, the impact is significant. You will help pupils rebuild trust in adults and education, often from the ground up.
Who Thrives in This Role
You are likely to thrive here if you:
- Have direct SEMH or behaviour support experience
- Understand trauma, attachment, and emotional dysregulation
- Can remain calm, boundaried, and consistent under pressure
- Do not take behaviour personally
- See SEMH work as purposeful and long-term
If your interest in SEND is casual or convenience-based, this role will not be the right fit.
Role Details
- Role: SEMH Teaching Assistant
- Location: Hanworth, West London
- Pay: £90–£100 per day (PAYE only)
- Contract: Full-time, long-term
- Start: ASAP or next half term
Why Work With PSI Inclusion
PSI Inclusion is a transparent and ethical SEND recruitment consultancy specialising in complex and specialist education.
We Will:
- Be honest about the challenges and expectations
- Match staff carefully, not quickly
- Operate PAYE only
- Support professionals who are serious about SEND
We work with people who want to do this work properly.
Interested?
If this role reflects your experience, resilience, and motivation for SEMH work, apply knowing this opportunity is being handled with care, clarity, and integrity. If you're interested please reach out to Luke on luke.falzon@psinclusion.co.uk or 02030114848.
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