Social Emotional & Mental Health Teaching Assistant, ACADEMICS

Social Emotional & Mental Health Teaching Assistant, ACADEMICS

St. Albans:
Full‑time, Long‑Term, January start.

Are you a calm, compassionate, and skilled practitioner with a passion for supporting children who think and feel differently? We are looking for an SEN/Specialist SEMH Teaching Assistant to work on a 1:1 basis with a KS2 pupil presenting with emerging SEMH needs and a possible PDA profile. Although the pupil does not currently have an EHCP, a comprehensive personalized support plan has already been developed in partnership with the SENDCo and Senior Leadership Team.

• Provide consistent and nurturing 1:1 support to a KS2 pupil with SEMH and potential PDA needs.
• Build a trusting, positive relationship that helps the pupil engage and feel safe.
• Use effective strategies to support emotional regulation, communication, and engagement.
• Work collaboratively with the SENDCo, class teacher, and SLT to deliver personalized interventions.
• Help create a predictable, calm, child‑led environment.
• Observe and track progress, contributing to ongoing reviews of the support plan.

• Experience supporting children with SEMH, PDA, ASD or related needs.
• Strong skills in behaviour regulation, de‑escalation, and relationship‑based practice.
• Patient, empathetic, and creative—especially when plans need to change in the moment.
• Someone who can follow guidance but also think flexibly and responsively.
• Committed to safeguarding, inclusion, and the well‑being of every child.
• Able to commute to St. Albans.

This position is ideal for someone who wants to make a significant difference to a child's daily school experience. As an SEMH Teaching Assistant, you will be supporting a learner who may find aspects of the classroom environment challenging, and your presence will be key to helping them feel secure, understood, and able to succeed.

If you are dedicated, nurturing, and ready for a rewarding challenge, we'd love to hear from you.