SEMH Teaching Assistant / Learning Support Assistant

Primary & Secondary | Specialist School | Horsham, West Sussex

Salary: £27,122 per annum (paid 52 weeks)
Contract: Full-time, temp-to-perm
Start Date: ASAP / September 2026

Are you passionate about supporting children and young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs?

NextGen Teachers are recruiting for Teaching Assistants / Learning Support Assistants to join a specialist school in Horsham, with opportunities available across both the primary and secondary settings.

The school supports children and young people with SEMH, Autism (ASC), ADHD and additional learning needs.

This could be a great opportunity for an experienced Teaching Assistant, SEN TA, LSA, Behaviour Mentor, Support Worker, Care Worker, Youth Worker or Nursery Practitioner looking to build their career in specialist education.

The Role

You will work in small classes alongside experienced teachers, therapists and pastoral staff, providing classroom, 1:1 and small-group support.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting pupils with SEMH, Autism, ADHD, SEND and additional needs
• Providing 1:1 and small-group support
• Helping pupils engage with learning and classroom activities
• Supporting emotional regulation and positive behaviour
• Building positive and trusting relationships
• Encouraging confidence, resilience and independence
• Supporting literacy, numeracy and learning where required
• Helping pupils overcome barriers to learning
• Working closely with teachers, therapists and pastoral staff
• Creating a calm, safe and structured learning environment
• Supporting pupils' social development and preparation for their future

The Ideal Candidate

We're looking for someone with experience supporting children or young people, particularly those with additional needs.

Relevant backgrounds could include:

• Teaching Assistant / SEN Teaching Assistant
• Learning Support Assistant
• Behaviour Mentor
• Support Worker
• Care Worker
• Youth Worker
• Nursery Practitioner
• Residential Support Worker
• Mental Health Support Worker

Experience with SEMH, SEND, Autism, ADHD, behaviour or emotional wellbeing would be beneficial.

You will need a calm, patient and consistent approach, with the ability to build strong relationships and support pupils through challenging situations.

Why Apply?

• £27,122 per annum, paid across 12 months
• Full-time, temp-to-perm opportunity
• Opportunities across primary and secondary age groups
• Small classes and strong staff-to-pupil ratios
• Supportive specialist school environment
• Ongoing CPD and specialist SEMH training
• Work alongside teachers, therapists and pastoral professionals
• Gain valuable experience within specialist SEND education
• Excellent experience for careers in teaching, psychology, mental health, social care and youth work

If you're looking for a rewarding role supporting children and young people with SEMH and additional needs, apply today to be considered.

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.