Mental Health Teaching Assistant - Abingdon

Academics; Abingdon; On-site; GBP 16,605 - 20,295; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full training provided

Supportive team environment

Job summary

Abingdon Specialist School in Abingdon is seeking a dedicated Mental Health Teaching Assistant to support young learners aged 5‑11 with social, emotional, and mental health needs. You will help with reading, phonics, and classroom activities, while fostering confidence and resilience in a small-class setting.

The role emphasises calm, patient, and proactive support, with ongoing training and opportunities to pursue careers in psychology, therapy, or teaching.

Qualifications

• Empathy, patience and resilience to support children with SEMH needs.
• Strong communication and ability to build rapport with students.
• Calm, proactive helper to support learning and emotional development.

Responsibilities

• Support children aged 5-11 with social, emotional, and mental health needs to grow in confidence.
• Assist with reading, phonics, and classroom activities.
• Help students stay engaged and motivated throughout the day.
• Aid with behaviour management in a calm and positive way.
• Help create an organized learning environment by preparing resources.
• Build meaningful relationships that help children feel safe and supported.

Skills

Empathy

Patience

Calm under pressure

Positive attitude

Education

Psychology degree

Job description

Mental Health Teaching Assistant

A highly respected specialist school in Abingdon is searching for a compassionate, enthusiastic, and proactive Mental Health Teaching Assistant to join their team. This role is not an ordinary classroom position; it offers the chance to genuinely change lives while gaining hands‑on experience that will set you apart in your future career.

No two days are ever the same.

Responsibilities

• Support children aged 5‑11 with social, emotional, and mental health needs, helping them grow in confidence, build resilience, and thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
• Support children with their learning and emotional development.
• Help students stay engaged and motivated throughout the day.
• Assist with behaviour management in a calm and positive way.
• Support reading, phonics, and classroom activities.
• Prepare resources and help create an organised learning environment.
• Build meaningful relationships that help children feel safe and confident.

Who Is Ideal

• Psychology graduates.
• Aspiring educational psychologists, therapists, counsellors, or teachers.
• Anyone passionate about mental health and supporting young people.
• Calm, patient, and empathetic.
• Energetic, positive, and proactive.
• Adaptable and quick‑thinking.
• Passionate about helping vulnerable children succeed.

What You’ll Gain

• Valuable hands‑on experience in mental health and education.
• Small class sizes where you can truly make a difference.
• Ongoing training and support from experienced professionals.
• A fantastic foundation for careers in psychology, therapy, counselling, or teaching.
• Rewarding work where every day matters.

Key Details

• Location: Abingdon.
• Salary: £90‑£110 per day.
• Start date: September (term‑time only).
• Training: Full training provided.
• Transport: Excellent transport links.