Mental Health Teaching Assistant

Academics; Salisbury; On-site; GBP 16,000 - 20,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Training & development

Mentoring & professional support

Job summary

Academics in Salisbury is seeking a Mental Health Teaching Assistant to support children aged 5-16 with Autism and SEMH needs. The role involves one-to-one and small-group support, helping manage emotions and build confidence within a structured educational setting.

You will work alongside teachers, therapists and SEN professionals, gaining hands-on experience and developing skills in emotional regulation, safeguarding and inclusive practice.

Qualifications

• Patience and empathy toward children.
• Ability to stay calm and supportive in challenging emotional or behavioural situations.
• Willingness to gain experience in specialist education.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-to-one and small-group support to children.
• Help children recognise and manage their emotions using appropriate strategies.
• Encourage confidence, resilience and positive emotional development.
• Support children with anxiety, autism, SEMH needs and other requirements.
• Implement strategies to promote positive behaviour and emotional regulation.
• Assist children to overcome barriers to learning and engage with classroom activities.
• Support development of communication, social and independence skills.
• Build trusting relationships through a calm, consistent approach.
• Collaborate with teachers, therapists, psychologists and SEN professionals.
• Contribute to a safe, nurturing and inclusive learning environment.
• Follow safeguarding procedures and support overall wellbeing.

Skills

Patient

Compassionate

Empathetic

Resilient

Job description

Are you passionate about supporting children's emotional wellbeing and helping them develop confidence, resilience and positive coping strategies? Are you considering a career in education, psychology, therapy or mental health and looking for valuable experience within a specialist school?

A welcoming specialist school in Salisbury, Wiltshire is seeking a caring and motivated Mental Health Teaching Assistant to join its dedicated support team. You will work with children aged 5-16 who may have Autism, Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, anxiety and other additional learning requirements.

This role offers the opportunity to gain practical experience while working alongside experienced teachers, therapists, psychologists and SEN professionals in a structured, supportive and nurturing educational environment.

The Role

As a Mental Health Teaching Assistant, you will provide tailored support throughout the school day, helping children manage emotional challenges, develop independence and feel more confident in their education.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing one-to-one and small-group support to children.
• Helping children recognise and manage their emotions using appropriate strategies.
• Encouraging confidence, resilience and positive emotional development.
• Supporting children experiencing anxiety, Autism, SEMH needs and other additional requirements.
• Implementing agreed strategies to promote positive behaviour and emotional regulation.
• Helping children overcome barriers to learning and engage positively with classroom activities.
• Supporting children to develop communication, social and independence skills.
• Building trusting relationships through a calm, consistent and encouraging approach.
• Working collaboratively with teachers, therapists, psychologists and SEN professionals.
• Contributing to a safe, nurturing and inclusive learning environment.
• Following safeguarding procedures and supporting the overall wellbeing of the children.

About You

The ideal candidate will be patient, compassionate, empathetic and resilient, with a genuine interest in children's mental health and emotional wellbeing.

Previous experience working in education, care or a support environment would be beneficial, although the position may also be suitable for graduates and individuals looking to gain experience within specialist education.

You will need to be confident developing positive relationships with children and able to remain calm and supportive when faced with challenging emotional or behavioural situations.

This opportunity would be particularly relevant for individuals considering future careers in:

• Clinical Psychology
• Educational Psychology
• Counselling
• Social Work
• Occupational Therapy
• Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)
• Teaching
• Special Educational Needs (SEN)

Why Apply?

• £85-£110 per day, depending on experience.
• Full-time, Monday to Friday opportunity.
• Gain hands-on experience supporting children with Autism, SEMH, anxiety and additional needs.
• Work alongside experienced teachers, therapists, psychologists and specialist support staff.
• Develop practical skills in emotional regulation, behaviour support and safeguarding.
• Gain an understanding of therapeutic and supportive approaches within specialist education.
• Excellent experience for aspiring psychologists, therapists, teachers, counsellors and mental health professionals.
• Opportunities for training, mentoring and professional development.
• Make a meaningful difference to children's wellbeing, confidence and educational progress.As a Mental Health Teaching Assistant, you will have the opportunity to positively influence the lives of children who may experience challenges with their emotions, behaviour or learning.

The role offers a rewarding environment where you can build strong relationships, encourage progress and help children develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed.

If you are passionate about children's mental health and want to gain meaningful experience within a specialist educational setting, this Mental Health Teaching Assistant position in Salisbury, Wiltshire could be the ideal opportunity.

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