Mental Health Teaching Assistant - Reading

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

Job summary

Academics Ltd. is seeking a Mental Health Teaching Assistant for a Reading school, starting ASAP.

You will provide emotional and pastoral support to pupils experiencing mental health challenges, helping them build resilience and access education. The role involves 1:1 and small-group work, promoting emotional regulation and wellbeing, and working with teachers and SEN staff to support individual development.

Qualifications

• Empathy and patience when supporting SEMH pupils.
• Ability to provide 1:1 and small-group emotional support.
• Experience or interest in mental health, psychology or counselling would be advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Provide emotional and pastoral support to pupils with SEMH needs.
• Help pupils develop emotional regulation and coping strategies.
• Build trusting relationships and provide consistent support.
• Deliver 1:1 and small-group activities to promote wellbeing.
• Recognise triggers and respond appropriately to pupils' needs.
• Encourage positive behaviour, social interaction and engagement in class.
• Collaborate with teachers, SEN staff and other professionals to support development.

Skills

Empathy

Pastoral support

Emotional regulation

Education

Degree in Psychology

Job description

Mental Health Teaching Assistant

Location: Reading

Start Date: ASAP

Pay: £90 - £105 per day

Are you interested in mental health, psychology and supporting young people through difficult experiences? Would you like to gain valuable experience working with children who need additional emotional and psychological support?

A welcoming and inclusive specialist school in Reading is seeking a dedicated Mental Health Teaching Assistant to join its team as soon as possible. This is an excellent opportunity to work with pupils experiencing social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) difficulties, helping them build resilience, develop coping strategies and access education in a supportive environment.

As a Mental Health Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with pupils on a 1:1 basis and in small groups, providing encouragement and emotional support throughout the school day. You will help children develop positive relationships, improve their confidence and overcome challenges that may affect their learning and wellbeing.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide emotional and pastoral support to pupils experiencing mental health challenges
• Help students develop emotional regulation and positive coping strategies
• Build trusting relationships and provide a consistent source of support
• Deliver 1:1 and small-group activities to promote wellbeing and resilience
• Recognise potential triggers and respond appropriately to pupils' needs
• Encourage positive behaviour, social interaction and classroom engagement
• Work alongside teachers, SEN staff and other professionals to support individual development

The school is looking for someone who is empathetic, approachable and genuinely interested in children's mental health. A degree in Psychology, Mental Health, Counselling or a related subject would be advantageous. Experience in mentoring, care work, youth work, healthcare or supporting vulnerable individuals would also be beneficial.

This Mental Health Teaching Assistant position is particularly suited to aspiring clinical psychologists, educational psychologists, counsellors, psychotherapists and mental health professionals looking to gain relevant experience.

You will have the opportunity to develop practical skills, learn from experienced professionals and gain a deeper understanding of the relationship between mental health, behaviour and education.

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

Mental Health Teaching Assistant - Reading - Psychology - SEMH - Emotional Wellbeing - ASAP Start