Mental Health Teaching Assistant – Surbiton

About the role

This permanent position is based in a specialist SEMH school in Surbiton, Kingston Upon Thames. You will support pupils aged 8 to 16 who have social, emotional and mental health needs, helping them regulate emotions, build relationships and engage in learning.

Key responsibilities

• Provide calm, consistent support during periods of emotional dysregulation or anxiety.
• Build trusting relationships that encourage confidence and resilience.
• Collaborate with teachers, pastoral staff and external professionals to meet individual pupil needs.
• Identify early signs of distress and implement appropriate strategies.
• Encourage positive behaviour and facilitate constructive reflection on challenging situations.
• Support classroom learning and deliver structured interventions.
• Help maintain a safe, predictable environment where pupils feel able to take risks and succeed.

Required profile

• Experience in SEMH or SEN settings is beneficial but not essential.
• Suitable for recent graduates in psychology, criminology, education, youth work, behaviour mentoring, residential support, care work, sports coaching, or similar fields.
• Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team and maintain clear boundaries.

Required skills

• No specific technical skills required.

What we offer

• PAYE rate of £100‑£110 per day.
• Supportive, therapeutic school environment with small class sizes.
• Opportunities for professional development within a multidisciplinary team.