SEMH Teaching Assistant - Special School and Alternative Provisions
Location: South East London
Start Date: ASAP
Hours: Full-time and Long-term
Pay: £95 - £110 PAYE per day - depending on experience
What does it take to help pupils with SEMH, autism, associated needs, trauma and adverse childhood experiences feel safe, understood and supported?
Patience, consistency and a trauma-informed approach are essential. Building trusting relationships, supporting emotional regulation and creating a safe, nurturing environment can make a real difference to pupils’ wellbeing and development.
I am currently working with a specialist school in South East London seeking dedicated SEMH, Autism and Complex Needs Learning Support Assistants / Teaching Assistants for full-time, long-term-to-permanent positions.
What Your Week Could Look Like
Imagine supporting a pupil with SEMH needs, autism, associated needs, trauma or adverse childhood experiences who struggles with emotional regulation, relationships or changes to routine. Through a calm, consistent and trauma-informed approach, you help them feel safe, build trust and engage positively.
Throughout the day, you support pupils with a range of emotional, social, communication and learning needs, recognising that distress and behaviours that challenge may reflect unmet needs or past experiences.
Working alongside the class team, you provide individualised support to develop emotional regulation, resilience, independence and positive relationships, using patience, reassurance and clear boundaries.
These moments may seem small, but helping a pupil feel safe, build trust and manage their emotions can represent significant progress.
What the Role Involves
- Providing 1:1 and small-group support for pupils with SEMH, autism, associated needs, trauma and adverse childhood experiences.
- Building trusting relationships through a consistent, patient and trauma-informed approach.
- Supporting emotional regulation, positive relationships and social development.
- Recognising distress, understanding triggers and responding to behaviours that challenge with empathy and reassurance.
- Promoting resilience, independence, engagement and emotional wellbeing at each pupil’s individual pace.
- Working collaboratively with teachers and support staff to provide consistent, personalised and nurturing support.
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:
- An experienced Teaching Assistant or Learning Support Assistant with an interest in supporting pupils with autism and complex needs.
- Someone with a strong understanding of trauma-informed practice and how emotional dysregulation can present through behaviours that challenge.
- A patient, resilient and nurturing individual who can build trusting relationships and provide consistent, compassionate support.
- Confident in supporting pupils with emotional regulation, transitions, communication and engagement in learning.
- Someone who can maintain clear boundaries while creating a calm, safe and supportive environment.
- Most importantly, someone who recognises that behaviour is a form of communication and is committed to helping every pupil feel safe, understood and supported to reach their potential.
About Parker Smith Inclusion
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 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!