SEMH Teaching Assistant - Behaviour Support

East Grinstead, West Sussex | £22,746-£23,980 | Full-time, Term Time Only | 12-Week Temp-to-Perm

Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle essential

Are you good at building trust with young people who may have struggled in mainstream education?

NextGen Teachers are working with a specialist SEN school in East Grinstead looking for an SEMH Teaching Assistant to support pupils aged 11-16 with SEMH, Autism, communication needs and behavioural difficulties.

With small classes of around 5-6 pupils, you'll have the time to get to know each young person, understand what they need and help them make progress both in and outside the classroom.

This could be a great opportunity if you're coming from education, youth work, care, support work, residential care or psychology and want to develop a career in specialist education.

What makes this role different?

You'll be part of a small, supportive and therapeutic environment where relationships are at the heart of the work.

Rather than simply supporting students with their schoolwork, you'll help them overcome some of the barriers that have made education difficult for them.

You'll be involved in:

• Supporting pupils 1:1 and in small groups
• Helping young people regulate emotions and manage difficult situations
• Encouraging positive behaviour and developing coping strategies
• Supporting students to engage with lessons and activities
• Building consistent, trusting relationships with pupils
• Helping young people develop confidence, independence and resilience
• Providing structure and reassurance throughout the school day
• Working alongside teachers, pastoral staff and therapists

You'll support students across Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4, gaining valuable experience in SEMH, SEND and behaviour support.

Who could this suit?

You don't necessarily need to have worked in a specialist school before.

Your experience could come from:

• Teaching Assistant / SEN Teaching Assistant
• Behaviour Support
• Youth Work
• Residential or Children's Support Work
• Care Work
• Pastoral Support
• Mental Health Support
• Psychology or related degree
• Other roles working with vulnerable children or young people

A Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification is desirable but not essential.

We're looking for someone who is calm, consistent and patient, with the ability to see beyond behaviour and build positive relationships with young people.

Training and progression

The school is committed to developing its staff, with ongoing training, CPD and a funded Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification pathway available.

For someone looking to establish a career in SEN, SEMH, education or youth support, this offers the chance to gain specialist experience while working alongside experienced professionals.

The important details

• Salary: £22,746-£23,980 per annum, depending on qualifications and experience
• Contract: 12-week temp-to-perm
• Hours: Monday-Friday
• Working pattern: Full-time, term time only - 36 weeks
• Start: ASAP / September 2026
• Class sizes: Typically 5-6 pupils
• Location: East Grinstead, West Sussex
• Driving: Full UK driving licence and own vehicle essential

Why apply?

• Small classes and high levels of staff support
• Funded Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification pathway
• Specialist experience in SEMH, SEND and behaviour
• Therapeutic and supportive school environment
• Ongoing training and professional development
• Clear opportunities to progress
• Supportive leadership and focus on staff wellbeing
• Free school meals
• Pension and healthcare-related benefits
• 12-week route to a permanent position

Interested?

If you're currently working in education, care, youth work, residential support, mental health or another people-focused role, this could be a great next step into specialist education.

Apply today to find out more about this SEMH Teaching Assistant opportunity in East Grinstead.

Please note: due to the school's rural location, a full UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle is essential.

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