SEMH Teaching Assistant – Secondary School (Temp to Perm)

About the role

This full‑time, term‑time position supports secondary‑school students in Waltham Forest with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. You will work closely with teachers, pastoral teams and SEN professionals to help pupils overcome barriers to learning, improve engagement and achieve positive outcomes.

Key responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small‑group support for students with SEMH needs.
• Assist pupils with emotional regulation, engagement and wellbeing.
• Implement behaviour management and de‑escalation strategies.
• Collaborate with teachers, pastoral teams and SEN staff.
• Support students both inside and outside the classroom.
• Promote positive behaviour, attendance and inclusion.

Required profile

• Experience supporting students with SEMH or behavioural needs.
• Confidence working in a secondary school environment.
• A calm, resilient and consistent approach.
• Strong communication and relationship‑building skills.
• Understanding of safeguarding and behaviour management strategies.

Required skills

What we offer

• Weekly pay up to £125 per day.
• Long‑term temp‑to‑perm opportunity.
• Free CPD including SEMH support, behaviour management and safeguarding.
• No day‑to‑day supply – long‑term placements only.
• Progression opportunities into pastoral, behaviour or inclusion roles.
• Dedicated consultant support from secondary and SEND specialists.