Mental Health Learning Support Assistant

Pink Tile Education Ltd; Horsham; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Pink Tile Education Ltd. in Horsham, West Sussex, seeks a dedicated Teaching Assistant / Learning Support Assistant to support primary and secondary pupils with SEMH needs. You will help learners re-engage with education, build confidence and maintain a calm, nurturing classroom environment.

This role offers a temp-to-perm pathway from Day One with a full-time schedule. Due to the rural location, a driver and own transport are essential. Start date: September.

Qualifications

• Experience as Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant or Classroom Assistant.
• Experience with SEMH needs or vulnerable learners.
• Strong understanding of behaviour, emotional regulation and trauma impact.
• Excellent communication and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Support boys with SEMH needs across primary and secondary age groups.
• Build strong, positive relationships with students.
• Help pupils develop emotional regulation, confidence and independence.
• Support learning through a calm, nurturing approach.
• Use positive behaviour strategies and de-escalation techniques as needed.
• Collaborate with teachers, pastoral staff and wider support team.

Skills

Teaching Assistant

Learning Support Assistant

Classroom Assistant

Youth Worker

Support Worker

Job description

Teaching Assistant / Learning Support Assistant / Classroom Assistant – SEMH School

Location: Horsham, West Sussex (Rural Location)
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm (Term Time Only)
Pay: £127 per day
Contract: Full-Time | Temp-to-Perm Pathway from Day One
Start Date: September
Driver Required

Are you an experienced Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant or Classroom Assistant looking for a truly rewarding role supporting children and young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs?

Do you have a passion for helping vulnerable young people overcome barriers, build confidence and achieve their full potential?

Pink Tile Education is working in partnership with a beautiful SEMH school in the rural area of Horsham, who are looking for a dedicated and resilient Teaching Assistant / Learning Support Assistant to join their incredible team from September.

This specialist Horsham school supports boys across both primary and secondary age groups who have a range of SEMH needs. The school provides a nurturing, structured and supportive environment where relationships are at the heart of everything they do.

Set within stunning grounds, this school offers incredible facilities and fantastic outdoor spaces designed to support pupils' learning, emotional wellbeing and personal development. The environment allows students to feel safe, supported and encouraged to achieve things they may not have previously thought possible.

As a Teaching Assistant, you will play a vital role in helping students re-engage with education by building trusting relationships, understanding their individual needs and providing consistent support. This role is about much more than classroom assistance — it's about becoming a positive role model and helping young people develop confidence, resilience and independence.

Please note: Due to the rural location of the school, you must be a driver with access to your own transport.

What You'll Be Doing

• Working as a Teaching Assistant / Learning Support Assistant supporting boys with SEMH needs.
• Supporting pupils across primary and secondary age groups.
• Building strong, positive relationships with students who may have experienced barriers within education.
• Helping pupils develop emotional regulation, confidence and independence.
• Supporting learning through a calm, consistent and nurturing approach.
• Using positive behaviour strategies and de-escalation techniques when required.
• Encouraging students to engage with education and achieve their personal goals.
• Working closely with teachers, pastoral staff and the wider support team.

What We're Looking For

• Experience working as a Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant, Classroom Assistant, Youth Worker, Support Worker or similar.
• Experience supporting children or young people with SEMH needs.
• A strong understanding of behaviour, emotional regulation and the impact of trauma.
• Confidence supporting challenging behaviour in a calm and positive way.
• A patient, resilient and empathetic approach.
• Someone who understands the importance of consistency and relationship building.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team.
• A full UK driving licence and access to transport is essential due to the rural location.

Why Join This Horsham SEMH School?

• A beautiful rural setting with outstanding facilities and extensive grounds.
• A supportive and experienced staff team who genuinely care about their pupils.
• Small class sizes allowing you to build meaningful relationships.
• A highly rewarding role where you can make a lasting impact.
• Excellent opportunities to develop your SEMH and behaviour support experience.
• Temp-to-perm pathway from Day One – you'll start through Pink Tile Education with the opportunity to secure a permanent position once you've demonstrated you're the right fit for the school.
• Permanent staff are paid a full-time salary and are not pro-rata, despite working term time only, meaning you benefit from a full-time wage while enjoying the school holiday periods.

Recruitment Timeline

• Interviews taking place in early September.
• Immediate opportunity to secure a fantastic long-term position for the right candidate.

Safeguarding Statement: Pink Tile Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, professional references and all other safer recruitment checks in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance.

Important Notice: In accordance with the Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations 2003, this advertisement is for the purpose of identifying suitable applicants. We reserve the right to withdraw the advert prior to the closing date should a suitable candidate be appointed.