Education ⫽ Teaching Assistant Jobs

A specialist secondary SEMH school in Hackney is seeking an experienced SEMH Teaching Assistant to join their dedicated team on a Full time, Term time only basis from September. This is an excellent opportunity to become part of a forward-thinking school that is committed to transforming the lives of young people through outstanding support, specialist provision, and exceptional learning opportunities. This thriving secondary setting supports students with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs and provides a structured, nurturing environment where pupils can develop confidence, resilience, and independence. The school benefits from excellent facilities, a highly supportive leadership team, and genuine opportunities for career progression and long-term development. The successful SEMH Teaching Assistant will play a key role in supporting students with SEMH needs, helping them engage with education, manage emotions positively, and achieve meaningful outcomes. Previous experience supporting SEMH pupils is essential for this role. Experience as a youth worker, behaviour mentor, support worker, or working with young people who display challenging behaviour would also be highly beneficial and considered transferable experience. Why apply?

• Join a specialist secondary SEMH school in Hackney
• Full time, Term time only position
• September start
• Excellent facilities and specialist resources
• Strong focus on staff development and progression
• Opportunity to build a long-term career within specialist education
• Work within a supportive and experienced multidisciplinary team
• Make a genuine difference to the lives of young people with SEMH needs
• Access to ongoing training and professional development
Daily Duties
• Support students with SEMH needs throughout the school day
• Assist teachers in delivering engaging and accessible lessons
• Build positive and trusting relationships with pupils
• Encourage engagement, participation, and independence
• Support the implementation of behaviour support plans and interventions
• Use positive behaviour management strategies to de-escalate challenging situations
• Provide one-to-one and small group support where required
• Promote emotional wellbeing and social development
• Support pupils during lessons, transitions, breaktimes, and enrichment activities
• Work collaboratively with teachers, pastoral teams, and external professionals
• Monitor student progress and provide feedback to relevant staff members
• Help create a safe, structured, and positive learning environment
  
  Do you have the resilience, passion, and experience needed to support young people with SEMH needs and help them achieve success both inside and outside the classroom?, Previous experience working as a SEMH Teaching Assistant is essential
• Strong understanding of SEMH and the challenges faced by young people with additional emotional and behavioural needs
• Experience supporting secondary-aged pupils is highly desirable
• Previous youth work experience would be advantageous
• Experience managing challenging behaviour is highly beneficial and transferable
• Ability to build positive relationships with students who may have experienced barriers to education
• Calm, patient, and resilient approach
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills
• Ability to remain professional under pressure
• Genuine passion for supporting vulnerable young people
• Commitment to inclusion, safeguarding, and positive outcomes for all students
Safeguarding Information This role involves regular and direct contact with children and young people within a specialist secondary school environment. The successful SEMH Teaching Assistant will be engaging in regulated activity relevant to children and will have a responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils at all times. The post holder will be expected to understand and fulfil all safeguarding responsibilities outlined within the school's safeguarding policies, job description, and person specification. An enhanced DBS check and all relevant pre-employment safeguarding checks will be completed prior to appointment. If you are an experienced SEMH Teaching Assistant looking for a rewarding Full time, Term time only opportunity in Hackney starting in September, this could be the ideal role for you. Join a specialist secondary SEMH school where your skills, commitment, and experience can have a lasting impact on young people's lives while providing excellent opportunities for career growth and development.