SEMH Teaching Assistant – Permanent
- Mole Valley, Surrey
- Permanent, Full-Time
- Easter 2026 Start
- Interviews taking place ASAP
- Up to £25,000 per annum, depending on experience
This is not a general classroom support role. This is not suitable for someone testing the waters in SEND.
This is a permanent SEMH Teaching Assistant role for someone who understands behaviour as communication, can stay regulated under pressure, and wants to be part of a team doing genuinely life-changing work.
The Setting
This is a specialist, therapeutic education setting supporting children and young people with SEMH, trauma backgrounds, emotional dysregulation, and complex behavioural needs. Many pupils have struggled in mainstream settings and require:
- High structure and consistency
- Clear boundaries and routines
- Emotionally intelligent adults
- Trauma-informed, relational practice
Class sizes are small, staffing ratios are high, and the approach is calm, predictable, and child-centred. Progress is measured in trust, regulation, and engagement before academic outcomes.
The Role
As a SEMH Teaching Assistant, you will be supporting pupils who may:
- Struggle with emotional regulation, anxiety, and impulsive behaviour
- Display challenging behaviour linked to trauma or unmet needs
- Require firm but compassionate boundaries
- Need adults who can remain calm, consistent, and reflective
Your day will include:
- 1:1 and small group support
- Supporting behaviour regulation and emotional literacy
- De-escalation and restorative approaches
- Working closely with teachers, therapists, and pastoral staff
- Being a consistent, reliable adult for pupils who need stability
This Role Will Suit You If
You already have real SEMH experience, for example:
- SEMH school or PRU experience
- Youth work, mentoring, or behaviour support
- Children’s residential or care settings
- Alternative provision or outreach roles
- Personal or lived experience supporting children with SEMH
You are someone who:
- Is emotionally resilient and reflective
- Can separate the behaviour from the child
- Understands trauma-informed practice
- Wants a long-term, permanent role, not a stopgap
This role can be emotionally demanding. Some days are tough. Progress is not linear. You will need patience, consistency, and a strong sense of purpose. If you thrive in fast-paced, unpredictable environments and care deeply about young people who have been let down before, this is where you will do your best work.
What’s On Offer
- Permanent contract
- Easter 2026 start
- Supportive leadership and strong staff culture
- Ongoing training and professional development
- A setting that values staff wellbeing and retention
If you are interested in this SEMH Teaching Assistant position, apply now or contact Heeji Moon at Parker Smith Inclusion.
Interviews are being arranged ASAP.