Teaching Assistant - SEMH

We are seeking a dedicated SEMH Teaching Assistant to join a nurturing academy based in Wandsworth. Supporting pupils aged 5-19 with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, the school provides a safe, structured environment designed to promote learning and personal growth. We are looking for an empathetic, resilient educator with a positive, can-do attitude and an unwavering commitment to child development.

In this role, you will work closely with class teachers to deliver tailored support to pupils individually and in small groups. You will play a vital part in helping students engage with the curriculum, regulate their emotional responses, and develop positive social relationships in a special educational needs (SEN) setting.

• Provide targeted academic and behavioural support to pupils with SEMH and complex needs.
• Assist class teachers with classroom management, lesson preparation, and differentiated learning activities.
• Foster a calm, structured, and inclusive classroom environment.
• Support pupils with emotional self-regulation, de-escalation, and conflict resolution using positive behaviour strategies.
• Track student progress, reporting achievements and developmental challenges to teaching staff.
• Supervise pupils during lunch breaks, physical activities, and school trips where required.

• Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Mathematics (Grade 4/C or above, or equivalent). A Level 2 or Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification is highly desirable.
• Experience: Prior experience working with children or young people, ideally within an SEMH, SEND, or Alternative Provision (AP) environment.
• Skills: Excellent communication skills, patience, emotional resilience, and a proactive mindset.
• Core Qualities: High empathy, professionalism, and a proven ability to build trust with vulnerable or challenging pupils.
• Compliance: Enhanced DBS check on the Update Service (or willingness to complete one).

• Career Growth: Clear progression pathways in a supportive, inclusive educational setting.
• Health & Wellbeing: 24/7 Virtual GP (via Livi), Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), counselling services, eyecare vouchers, gym discounts, and enhanced parental leave.
• Financial & Protection: Pension scheme, life cover, family protection, and generous annual leave options.
• Perks & Discounts: Cycle-to-Work scheme, car leasing, tech loans, season ticket loans, and referral bonuses.
• Exclusive Access: Blue Light Card, Discounts for Teachers, Costco membership, and more.

If you are interested in discussing this Wandsworth Teaching Assistant role, please call [phone removed] and ask for Brittany, or email your CV to [email removed].

experience

Non Teaching

skills

ability to track progression in attainment,background in youth work,behaviour management,building relationships,classroom management,communication,de-escalation techniques,empathy,experience in administering medication,experience in managing challenging behaviour,experience with autism spectrum disorders,experience with learning difficulties,experience with social emotional mental health,inclusiveness,manual handling,marking,mentor experience,personal care experience,planning,resilience,restraint training,speech and language therapy experience

qualifications

CACHE level 1 or 2,CACHE level 2 or 3,early childhood studies degree,health and social care experience,health and social care qualifications (NVQ),HLTA,HLTA,NVQ level 2,NVQ level 3,NVQ level 4

education

high school,college,university