Full job descriptionSEMH Teaching Assistant – Specialist Unit

South East London | Full-Time | September Start | Temp to Perm
Competitive daily rate: £109 followed by £135 post AWR entitlement.
A welcoming and inclusive primary school in South East London is seeking an experienced and resilient SEMH Teaching Assistant to join its specialist SEMH Resource Base on a full-time, long-term basis, starting at the end of September 2026 or October Half Term 2026.
This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced SEMH Teaching Assistant looking to secure a consistent placement within a specialist provision, with a genuine opportunity to move from temporary to permanent following a successful period in the role.
The Resource Base provides a smaller, nurturing environment for primary-aged pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, while also supporting pupils to develop their confidence and ability to engage with the wider mainstream school community. The provision is built around strong nurture principles, recognising that behaviour is a form of communication and that children require a safe, consistent environment in which to develop.
The RoleThe successful SEMH Teaching Assistant will work closely with the teaching team to provide consistent, individualised support to pupils who may experience difficulties with emotional regulation, behaviour, social interaction and engagement with learning.
Responsibilities will include:
*Providing dedicated classroom and individual support to pupils with SEMH needs
*Supporting pupils with emotional regulation, frustration, anxiety and challenging behaviour
*Developing positive and trusting relationships with pupils
*Helping pupils recognise and communicate their emotions appropriately
*Using calm, consistent and restorative approaches to behaviour
*Supporting pupils to engage with learning and overcome barriers to education
*Working alongside teachers and other professionals to implement individual support strategies
*Encouraging independence, confidence and positive social interaction
*Supporting pupils when transitioning between the Resource Base and the wider school environment
*Maintaining a safe, structured and nurturing learning environment
The school places strong emphasis on understanding the individual child behind the behaviour, making patience, consistency and emotional intelligence particularly important qualities for this position. The wider school’s PSHE approach also focuses on helping pupils manage strong feelings such as frustration, anger and anxiety, resolve conflict and recover from setbacks.
Who We’re Looking ForPrevious SEMH experience is essential.
We are particularly interested in candidates who have previously worked as an SEMH Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant, Behaviour Support Worker, Specialist Teaching Assistant or within another relevant SEND/SEMH setting.
The ideal candidate will:
*Have demonstrable experience supporting children with SEMH needs
*Be confident managing challenging or dysregulated behaviour
*Understand that behaviour is communication
*Have experience using positive and consistent behaviour-management strategies
*Be patient, resilient and emotionally intelligent
*Be confident supporting pupils who may initially struggle to build trust with adults
*Understand the importance of consistency and clear boundaries
*Be able to work collaboratively with teachers, families and wider professionals
*Have a genuine commitment to helping children overcome barriers to learning
Experience within a primary SEMH Resource Base, PRU, alternative provision or specialist SEND environment would be highly advantageous.
The School & ProvisionThis is a well-established primary school with a dedicated SEMH Resource Base providing additional staffing, tailored environments and specialist support for pupils whose primary area of need is SEMH.
The provision follows a nurture-led approach, with particular emphasis on:
*Emotional wellbeing
*Positive relationships
*Regulation and resilience
*Social development
*Behaviour support
*Communication
*Re-engagement with learning
*Building independence and confidence
The Resource Base also works to ensure pupils remain part of the wider school community, providing opportunities for pupils to socialise and learn alongside their peers where appropriate.
Requirements*Previous SEMH experience is essential
*Experience working with children or young people displaying challenging behaviour
*Experience in a SEND, SEMH, PRU, specialist or similar environment
*Enhanced DBS on the Update Service, or willingness to obtain one through Tara
*Ideally 2 years of professional references
*Availability to start at the end of September 2026
*Availability for interview and registration with Tara Professional Recruitment
Why Apply?This is more than a standard Teaching Assistant position. The successful SEMH Teaching Assistant will become an important part of a specialist team supporting pupils who require additional structure, nurture and understanding to succeed in education.
The position is full-time and long-term, with the opportunity to progress from temporary to permanent for the right candidate following a successful placement.
If you are an experienced SEMH Teaching Assistant who thrives on building relationships, managing challenging situations and helping children make meaningful progress, we’d love to hear from you.
Click Apply today or reach out to the team at Tara Professional Recruitment.