SEMH Teaching Assistant / Behaviour Support Assistant

Location: Haywards Heath, West Sussex
Pay: £90-£110 per day (dependent on experience)
Contract: Full-Time, Temporary, Long-Term & Temp-to-Perm Opportunities
Start Date: September 2026

Supporting Children with SEMH, Mental Health and Behavioural Needs

Are you a Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant (LSA), Behaviour Mentor or Youth Worker with experience supporting children and young people with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs?

NextGen Teachers are working with a specialist school in Haywards Heath that provides support for pupils with a range of complex needs, including SEMH, emotional regulation difficulties, anxiety, trauma, mental health challenges and associated behavioural needs.

We are seeking a caring, resilient and passionate SEMH Teaching Assistant to join a supportive education team, helping pupils overcome barriers to learning and develop confidence, independence and positive relationships.

This is a rewarding opportunity for someone who is passionate about supporting young people who may have experienced challenges within mainstream education and want to make a genuine difference.

The Role

As an SEMH Teaching Assistant, you will be responsible for:

• Supporting pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs within the classroom and wider school environment
• Building positive, trusting relationships with students to support their wellbeing and engagement
• Providing 1:1 and small group support to help pupils access learning
• Supporting students with emotional regulation, confidence and behaviour management strategies
• Encouraging positive choices and helping pupils develop independence
• Working alongside teachers, therapists and pastoral staff to provide consistent support
• Helping create a safe, structured and inclusive learning environment

We're Looking For

We welcome applications from candidates with experience as:

• SEMH Teaching Assistants
• SEN Teaching Assistants
• Learning Support Assistants (LSAs)
• Behaviour Support Workers
• Youth Workers
• Pastoral Support Assistants
• Mental Health Support Workers
• Residential Support Workers
• Care workers with transferable experience
• Graduates interested in a career supporting young people

Experience supporting children or young people with SEMH, Autism (ASC), ADHD, trauma, anxiety or challenging behaviour would be highly beneficial, but we also welcome candidates with strong transferable skills.

You will be patient, empathetic and confident supporting pupils who may display challenging behaviours, while remaining committed to helping every young person reach their potential.

Why Work with NextGen Teachers?

• Competitive daily pay of £90-£110 depending on experience
• Weekly pay
• Dedicated education consultant supporting you throughout your placement
• Access to a wide range of SEN, SEMH and specialist school opportunities across West Sussex
• Opportunities for long-term and permanent positions
• Ongoing career support within education

Apply Today

If you are looking for an SEMH Teaching Assistant role in Haywards Heath, West Sussex, and are passionate about supporting children and young people with additional needs, we would love to hear from you.

Apply today to join NextGen Teachers and take the next step in your

Huntress does not discriminate on the grounds of age, race, gender, disability, creed or sexual orientation and complies with all relevant UK legislation. PLEASE NOTE! You should make yourself aware of how immigration laws apply to your situation before applying for any jobs. We are acting as a Recruitment Business in relation to this role.