Job Description

SEMH Teaching Assistant - Specialist SEMH & Autism School

Esher, Surrey

Full-time (Term Time Only)

Long-term to Permanent Contract

£95 - £105 PAYE per day

ASAP Start

This is a specialist SEMH provision in Esher, Surrey, supporting young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, Autism (ASC), and associated learning and behavioural challenges. The school is part of a highly regarded specialist education group with a strong reputation for therapeutic practice, staff development, and positive outcomes for vulnerable young people.

The leadership team is committed to creating a calm, nurturing, and consistent environment where students can rebuild trust in education and develop the skills they need to succeed both in and beyond school.

The School

This specialist school supports students across Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 who require a highly personalised approach to learning. Many pupils have experienced disrupted educational journeys, adverse childhood experiences, trauma, anxiety, or difficulties with emotional regulation.

The school places a strong emphasis on relationships, therapeutic support, and understanding behaviour as a form of communication. Staff work collaboratively to ensure every student feels supported, valued, and able to achieve meaningful progress.

Joining this school means becoming part of a dedicated team that genuinely understands the importance of consistency, patience, and positive relationships in helping young people thrive.

What the Role Involves

As an SEMH Teaching Assistant, your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting students on a 1:1 basis and in small groups throughout the school day
• Assisting teachers in delivering personalised lessons tailored to students' EHCP outcomes and individual needs
• Helping young people manage their emotions and develop effective regulation strategies
• Building positive and trusting relationships with students who may present with challenging behaviours
• Supporting students during transitions, unstructured periods, and social interactions
• Working closely with teachers, therapists, pastoral teams, and senior leaders to provide consistent support
• Encouraging engagement, confidence, independence, and resilience
• Recording observations, behaviour incidents, and student progress where required
• Participating in staff training, team meetings, and ongoing professional development opportunities

Who Will Thrive in This Role?

We welcome applicants from a wide range of backgrounds. Experience within schools is beneficial but not essential.

Successful candidates often come from backgrounds such as:

• Youth work
• Behaviour mentoring
• Residential childcare
• Children's services
• Mental health support
• Sports coaching
• Care work
• Youth offending or community support services

The following individuals are often particularly successful in SEMH settings:

• Psychology, Criminology, Education, Sociology, or Social Science graduates
• Individuals with lived experience of SEND, Autism, ADHD, or SEMH
• Teaching Assistants looking to transition from mainstream education into specialist settings
• Professionals who have supported vulnerable or disengaged young people and found the work rewarding
• Calm, resilient, and empathetic individuals who can maintain boundaries while building positive relationships

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