Trauma-informed SEMH Teaching Assistant - Surrey
ASAP start, long-term to permanent contract
Monday to Friday, 8am - 4pm, term time only
£100 - £110 PAYE per day, weekly payment
If a child's anxiety at school shows up as silence rather than outbursts, would you know how to reach them?
It is worth asking whether your current role is actually giving you what you deserve, whether that is smaller classes, real training, or simply enough time to build trust with the pupils you support. Too many SEND TAs supporting autism, ADHD and SEMH are stretched thin, expected to manage complex needs without the ratio or resources to do the job properly. This Trauma-Informed SEMH Teaching Assistant role in Surrey works differently. Classes are kept small, staffing is generous, and therapeutic support sits at the centre of how the school runs, not bolted onto the edges.
This is a well-supported school near Leatherhead, easily commutable from Dorking and Guildford. It specialises in supporting autistic (ASC) pupils alongside ADHD and social, emotional and mental health needs (SEMH), including pupils whose anxiety shows up as withdrawal rather than visible distress. Every pupil has an EHC plan, and classes are kept small, around six to eight pupils, with a high adult-to-pupil ratio across primary and secondary age groups.
The school has been found to meet independent school standards by inspectors, with pastoral care noted as a particular strength. In practice, that means therapeutic support at whole-school, group and individual levels, consistent emotional care, and an open safeguarding culture where staff are trusted to notice and respond early. Parents describe real turning points for their children here, especially pupils who have struggled with extended absence or anxiety and are gradually rebuilding their relationship with school.
The school's approach centres on building pupils' confidence, competence and character alongside their academic skills, in an environment designed to feel safe, joyful and inspiring. All pupil support happens on this single site rather than through outreach, so you get to know pupils and see their progress day to day. Leadership is inclusive and pupil-first, with the added backing of a wider group of specialist schools for governance and best practice.
Role responsibilities:
- Provide direct 1:1 and small-group support to autistic pupils and those with ADHD and SEMH, and adapt your approach to each pupil's EHCP
- Support pupils to regulate emotionally, using calm spaces and de-escalation strategies rather than reactive management
- Help pupils build confidence and independence in the classroom, including those returning to full-time education after a period of absence
- Work closely with teachers and therapeutic staff to deliver consistent, structured routines across the school day
- Keep clear records of pupil progress and communicate concerns promptly as part of an open safeguarding culture
About you:
- A genuine interest in autism and SEMH, and in supporting children whose difficulties are not always visible
- Experience working with autistic pupils and pupils with SEMH is essential for this role
- Confidence supporting pupils with ADHD and anxiety-related needs, including those who present as withdrawn rather than disruptive
- A relevant degree, HLTA experience, or a background as a TA or LSA in a specialist or mainstream SEND setting
- Career changers from care, youth work, or support work backgrounds are welcome, provided you bring real experience with autism and SEMH
This role gives you the setting to do your best work, small classes, a high staff ratio, and a school that treats therapeutic support as core to the job rather than an add-on. You will have access to ongoing CPD, a clear route to a permanent contract, and pay transparency from day one, working with Parker Smith Inclusion, an ethical, SEND-only recruitment consultancy built on integrity and fairness. We have over 400 five-star Google reviews, partner with more than 300 schools, and have placed over 1,500 educators into roles that last. We pay PAYE only, never through umbrella companies, with no hidden costs, and work on long-term and permanent placements only, never day-to-day supply.
Interested?
Apply now or get in touch with Heeji Moon at Parker Smith Inclusion.