Mental Health Assistant

Academics; Chippenham; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 19,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive daily pay

Job summary

Academics is seeking a dedicated Mental Health Assistant to join a welcoming primary school in Chippenham. You will support pupils with SEMH needs, autism, and additional learning needs, providing 1:1 support and small-group interventions to help regulate emotions and stay engaged in lessons.

The role offers the chance to gain valuable experience in psychology and child development, with DBS checks and right-to-work required. Salary is daily pay £90-£105 depending on experience.

Qualifications

• A patient, resilient, and empathetic approach.
• Confidence supporting children with SEN, SEMH, or behavioural needs.
• Strong communication skills and ability to build rapport quickly.
• A genuine interest in mental health, psychology, or child development.
• Previous experience working with children or vulnerable individuals is desirable but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Support children who may feel anxious, overwhelmed, or struggle to engage in the classroom
• Provide 1:1 support to help pupils regulate emotions and remain focused during lessons
• Deliver small group interventions to build social skills, confidence, and resilience
• Use behaviour management strategies to de-escalate challenging situations calmly

Skills

Patience

Empathy

Communication skills

SEN/SEMH experience

Behaviour support

Education

Psychology or related degree

Job description

Mental Health Assistant - Chippenham

Location: Chippenham
Salary: £90 - £105 per day (dependent on experience)
Job Type: Full-time
Hours: 8:30am - 4:00pm
Start Date: ASAP

Are you passionate about supporting children's mental health and wellbeing?

A welcoming and inclusive primary school in Chippenham is seeking a dedicated Mental Health Assistant to join their team. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is passionate about childrens mental health and wants to gain valuable experience supporting pupils with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs, autism, and additional learning needs.

The Role - Mental Health Assistant - Chippenham

• Support children who may feel anxious, overwhelmed, or struggle to engage in the classroom
• Provide 1:1 support to help pupils regulate emotions and remain focused during lessons
• Deliver small group interventions to build social skills, confidence, and resilience
• Use behaviour management strategies to de-escalate challenging situations calmly

About the School

This nurturing and inclusive primary school in Chippenham has a strong focus on supporting pupils with additional needs. The staff team work collaboratively to create a structured, positive environment where every child is valued and encouraged to succeed both academically and emotionally.

What We're Looking For

• A patient, resilient, and empathetic approach
• Confidence supporting children with SEN, SEMH, or behavioural needs
• Strong communication skills and ability to build rapport quickly
• A genuine interest in mental health, psychology, or child development

Previous experience working with children or vulnerable individuals is desirable but not essential

What's on Offer

• Valuable, hands-on experience supporting children with SEMH and additional needs
• A supportive school environment with experienced SEN professionals
• An excellent stepping stone for careers in psychology, therapy, teaching, or youth work
• Competitive daily pay

Ideal Backgrounds (Not Essential)

• Psychology or related degree
• Youth work, care, or support work experience
• Experience in PRUs, alternative provision, or specialist settings
• Team Teach / MAPA / CPI training

Requirements

• Enhanced DBS on the Update Service (or willingness to apply)
• Right to work in the UK

Mental Health Assistant - (SEMH / SEN Support)

Mental Health Assistant - (SEMH / SEN Support)

Salary will be determined by the successful candidate's qualifications and relevant experience, and will be in accordance with the client's pay policy