SEMH Teaching Assistant

Lift Schools; Cobham; On-site; GBP 9,000 - 13,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Level 3 TA apprenticeship

Career progression routes

Supportive team culture

Skill development opportunities

Diversity-friendly workplace

Job summary

Lift Wishmore in Chobham, Surrey, is seeking a SEMH Teaching Assistant to support students' learning, helping them access lesson content and participate fully in class while building independent skills. You will work with teachers to tailor support and contribute to a positive, safe classroom environment.

You don't need years of experience; we value the right values: strong communication, patience, empathy, and a calm approach.

Qualifications

• GCSEs in English and Maths, or willingness to work towards functional skills.
• Good communication skills and a reflective approach to learning.
• Patient, empathetic, and calm under pressure.
• Basic IT skills and understanding of child development (training provided).

Responsibilities

• Support students to access lesson content and achieve learning goals.
• Plan and assess learning with teachers; guide individual or small group sessions.
• Help students build independent learning skills and manage progress.
• Create positive relationships and support wellbeing, behaviour and personal care.
• Collaborate with staff, parents and carers to support outcomes for every student.
• Contribute to resources, trips and activities for diverse needs.

Skills

Communication

Empathy

Patience

Calm under pressure

IT skills

Child development basics

Education

GCSEs English & Maths

Functional skills (willing to work towards)

Job description

Are you ready to make a real difference in young people's learning? We're looking for a SEMH Teaching Assistant to join Lift Wishmore and help every student access an excellenteducation.

About the role

You'll work alongside teachers to support students' learning, helping them participate fully in lessons and develop skills they can use independently. Your role will focus on understanding each student's needs and creating the right conditions for them to succeed. You'll also help build a positive and safe classroom where everyone feels valued. Could this be the role where you truly make an impact?

Key responsibilities

• Support students to access lesson content and achieve learning goals
• Work with teachers to plan and assess learning, and guide individual or small group sessions
• Help students build independent learning skills and manage their own progress
• Create positive relationships and support wellbeing, behaviour and personal care
• Work with teaching staff, parents and carers to achieve the best outcomes for every student
• Contribute to preparing resources, trips and activities that meet diverse needs

We are looking for someone who

You don't need years of experience, but you do need the right values. We're looking for someone with good communication skills and a reflective approach to learning. You'll be patient, empathetic, and calm under pressure. IT skills and a basic understanding of child development are helpful, but we can support you to build these if needed. What matters most is your willingness to learn and grow with us.

Do you have GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths, or are you willing to work towards functional skills? Can you work collaboratively as a trusted team member?

What we offer

• Level 3 Teaching Assistant apprenticeship for those working 20+ hours per week (if you don't already hold this qualification)
• Future progression routes including Level 5 apprenticeships and Initial Teacher Training
• A supportive team culture where ideas are shared openly and feedback is valued
• Opportunities to build your skills and confidence in a meaningful role
• A workplace that values diversity and welcomes people from all backgrounds

About Lift Wishmore

Lift Wishmore is a special school in Chobham, Surrey for boys aged 7 to 16 years who have social, emotional and mental health difficulties.We can admit up to 82 pupils which means that class sizes are small and we work very closely with our students to ensure they get the most out of each day with us. Set in beautiful grounds, we provide high quality CPD to all staff routed through the instructional excellence model.

Who is LiftSchools?

We're a diverse and inclusive network of schools with one clear mission; to provide an excellent education to every child - in every classroom, every day. And we do this across each of our 62 schools. As with our students, we want our team to be empowered to do their best work, supported by the best leadership they've ever had.

We acknowledge and appreciate the exceptional efforts of everyone here in making this an incredible organisation.

We offer you:

• Comprehensive training: Access a wide range of developmental training to boost your career.
• Generous benefits: From your pension plan to healthcare and financial support, we've got you covered.
• Lifestyle perks: Enjoy discounted gym memberships and travel deals.

• Safer Recruitment Statement - September 2026.pdf
• Teaching Assistant Job Description and Person Specification (8).pdf