SEMH Teaching Assistant – Specialist School (Term Time)

About the role

This full‑time, term‑time position supports young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs and Autism in a specialist school in Woking, Surrey. You will work alongside teachers, therapists and senior leaders to create a calm, nurturing environment where students can rebuild trust in education.

Key responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small‑group support throughout the school day.
• Assist teachers in delivering personalised lessons aligned with EHCP outcomes.
• Help students manage emotions and develop regulation strategies.
• Build positive, trusting relationships with pupils who may display challenging behaviours.
• Support transitions, unstructured periods and social interactions.
• Collaborate with teachers, therapists, pastoral teams and senior leaders for consistent support.
• Encourage engagement, confidence, independence and resilience.
• Record observations, behaviour incidents and progress as required.
• Participate in staff training, team meetings and professional development.

Required profile

• Applicants from a wide range of backgrounds; experience in schools is beneficial but not essential.
• Experience in youth work, behaviour mentoring, residential settings or similar supportive roles is valued.
• Ability to work patiently, consistently and build strong relationships with vulnerable young people.

Required skills

What we offer

• £95‑£105 PAYE per day.
• Long‑term to permanent contract, term‑time only.
• Supportive, therapeutic environment with strong staff development focus.