SEMH Teaching Assistant – Support Pupils with Emotional Needs

About the role

This permanent position is based in a specialist SEMH school in Surbiton, Kingston Upon Thames. You will work alongside a multidisciplinary team to support pupils aged 8‑16 who experience social, emotional and mental health challenges.

Key responsibilities

• Provide calm, consistent support during periods of emotional dysregulation or heightened anxiety.
• Build trusting relationships that encourage confidence, resilience and positive behaviour.
• Collaborate with teachers, pastoral staff and external professionals to meet individual pupil needs.
• Identify early signs of distress and implement appropriate interventions.
• Assist with classroom learning activities and structured therapeutic interventions.
• Help maintain a safe, predictable environment that promotes risk‑taking and success.

Required profile

• Enthusiasm for working with young people facing emotional and behavioural challenges.
• Ability to maintain clear boundaries while building meaningful relationships.
• Flexibility to adapt support strategies to a range of needs, including ADHD, autism and trauma‑related behaviours.

Required skills

What we offer

• Competitive daily rate of £100‑£110 (PAYE).
• Permanent contract with opportunities for professional development.
• Supportive, therapeutic school environment with small class sizes.