About this role
1:1 SEMH Teaching Assistant – Primary School North London | Primary School | Full-Time | Long-Term | ASAP Start
Are you an experienced Teaching Assistant, Behaviour Mentor or SEN professional who is confident supporting children with social, emotional and behavioural needs?
We are working with a supportive primary school in North London that is looking for a resilient and compassionate 1:1 SEMH Teaching Assistant to provide dedicated support to a primary-aged pupil.
This is a relationship-focused role requiring someone who can build trust and consistency with a child while maintaining clear boundaries, routines and expectations.
The pupil may experience difficulties with emotional regulation, behaviour, concentration and engagement with learning, so we are looking for someone patient and confident who understands that behaviour is often a form of communication.
The Role Working closely with the class teacher, SENCO and wider pastoral/SEN team, you will provide consistent 1:1 support throughout the school day.
Your responsibilities will include:
Providing dedicated 1:1 classroom supportBuilding a positive and trusting relationship with the pupilSupporting emotional regulation and helping the child recognise and communicate their feelingsIdentifying potential triggers and intervening before situations escalateUsing appropriate de-escalation strategies during challenging momentsMaintaining clear, consistent boundaries and expectationsSupporting transitions between lessons, activities and different areas of the schoolHelping the pupil manage frustration, anxiety and changes to routineEncouraging and reinforcing positive behaviourSupporting the pupil to develop their confidence, resilience and independenceHelping the child re-engage with learning following periods of dysregulationBreaking learning down into manageable tasks and providing encouragement when concentration is difficultSupporting positive interactions with peers and adultsRecording and communicating relevant observations to teachers and SEN staffWorking consistently with agreed behaviour and support plans Who Are We Looking For? We would particularly like to hear from candidates with experience supporting children or young people with:
SEMHChallenging behaviourADHDAutism / ASDEmotional regulation difficultiesTrauma or attachment needsSchool refusal or disengagementSocial and communication difficulties Experience could have been gained within a mainstream school, SEN school, PRU, alternative provision, youth service, residential setting, mentoring programme or similar environment.
Previous experience working specifically as a Teaching Assistant is beneficial, but we will also consider strong candidates from youth work, behaviour mentoring, sports coaching, care or support work who have substantial experience managing challenging situations with young people.
What Are We Looking For Personally? This role requires someone who is calm, patient and emotionally resilient.
You will need to understand how to be warm and approachable while remaining firm and consistent when necessary.
The successful candidate will be someone who:
Doesn't become easily frustrated when behaviour is challengingCan remain calm during difficult situationsUnderstands the importance of consistency and routineCan recognise when behaviour may be communicating an unmet needBuilds relationships naturally without becoming overly permissiveCan praise and encourage positive choicesIs proactive rather than waiting to be told what to doUnderstands that progress with SEMH pupils can take time Why Apply? This is an excellent opportunity to make a significant difference to one child's experience of school.
Rather than simply managing behaviour, your role will be to help the pupil develop the skills and confidence they need to regulate their emotions, engage positively with adults and peers and access their education.
It would particularly suit someone interested in developing a career within SEN, SEMH, educational psychology, behaviour support, counselling, youth work or pastoral care.
North London | Full-Time | Long-Term | ASAP Start
If you have experience supporting young people with SEMH or challenging behaviour and believe you can provide the consistency, patience and positive relationship this pupil needs, we would love to hear from you.