Emotional Support Worker - Wantage

Academics Ltd; Wantage; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialist education provider in Wantage is seeking an Emotional Support Worker to provide tailored emotional support to students with SEMH challenges. This full-time role involves creating individual support plans and fostering trusting relationships. Ideal candidates will have experience with vulnerable youth and a passion for inclusion and mental health advocacy. The position offers competitive pay of £85-100 per day, starting in January, providing a meaningful career opportunity for those passionate about making a difference.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting children or young people with SEMH, special educational needs, or behavioral challenges.
• Calm, consistent and non-judgemental approach.
• Passion for inclusion, mental health advocacy, and trauma-informed care.

Responsibilities

• Provide tailored 1:1 and small-group emotional support to students.
• Create individual support plans in partnership with the SEN team.
• Build consistent relationships with students to foster emotional safety.

Skills

Empathy

Patience

Understanding of emotional and behavioral needs

Emotional resilience

De-escalation of challenging situations

Education

Relevant qualifications (Psychology, Education, Youth Work)

Job description

Emotional Support Worker - Wantage

Our specialist school in Wantage is looking for an Emotional Support Worker to join our dedicated team, providing essential care and support to pupils with SEMH challenges, learning difficulties, and complex needs.

We are seeking an Emotional Support Worker who can bring empathy, patience, and a strong understanding of emotional and behavioural needs. In this role, you will provide tailored 1:1 and small-group emotional support to students who often struggle with self-regulation, anxiety, trauma, or attachment difficulties.

As an Emotional Support Worker, your responsibilities will include:

• Offering 1:1 and small-group emotional support tailored to students with SEMH and learning needs
• Supporting students with self-expression, emotional regulation, and managing behaviour positively
• Creating individual support plans in partnership with the SEN team and therapists
• Building consistent, trusting relationships with students to foster emotional safety
• Supporting transitions between lessons and managing emotional dysregulation
• Helping develop social communication skills and resilience strategies
• Working alongside teachers, parents/carers, and external professionals to ensure holistic support
• Tracking emotional and behavioural progress and contributing to review meetings

The ideal Emotional Support Worker will:

• Have experience supporting children or young people with SEMH, special educational needs, or behavioural challenges
• Bring a calm, consistent and non-judgemental approach
• Be emotionally resilient and able to de-escalate challenging situations
• Have relevant qualifications (e.g., Psychology, Education, Youth Work) - desirable but not essential
• Have a passion for inclusion, mental health advocacy, and trauma-informed care

Key Details

• Emotional Support Worker - Wantage
• 85- 100 per day (depending on experience)
• January Start
• Full-time, long-term
• Specialist SEMH and Complex Needs School

This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone looking to make a genuine impact in a meaningful career, whether you're a recent graduate, aspiring SEN teacher, future therapist, or simply someone passionate about supporting vulnerable children.

If you're ready to step into a rewarding role where every day brings purpose, growth, and connection, apply now to become an Emotional Support Worker - Wantage