SEMH Teaching Assistant

Witherslack Group; Hildenborough; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Training and induction

School holidays

Career progression

Flexible benefits

Wellbeing resources

Medical cover

Modern facilities

Refer-a-friend bonus

Contributory pension

Job summary

Witherslack Group is seeking a Teaching Assistant to support children and young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder and SEMH needs. You will help learners participate in lessons, foster resilience and build self-esteem through patient, trauma-informed guidance.

You will work closely with teachers, therapists and the wider team to tailor approaches for each pupil, celebrate progress, and create a safe, supportive learning environment across our SEND settings.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting children in a learning setting is preferred.
• Able to apply trauma-informed approaches to support pupil engagement.
• Strong communication with teachers, therapists and the wider team.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils with Autistic Spectrum Disorder and SEMH needs to engage in learning.
• Build positive relationships and raise self-esteem through individualised support.
• Collaborate with teaching staff and therapists to identify best approaches for each pupil.

Skills

Classroom experience

Trauma-informed approach

Empathy and patience

Team collaboration

Job description

Our Teaching Assistants are fulfilled by the idea of making even the smallest positive changes in our young people, so we celebrate the little things. There’s lots of ups and downs, and to some of our young people, sitting through a lesson can be a big win. We call these huge small victories and whilst they may seem small on the surface, they add up to make a big difference.

You’ll be working with children and young people with Autistic Spectrum Disorder/Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs. You’ll be there to help them learn, develop their abilities, and raise their self-esteem. You will need to be resilient and dedicated, but those huge small victories that you achieve will be something you’re really proud of.

Many of our pupils have experienced significant challenges in their lives and may present with complex social, emotional, and mental health needs, including extreme anxiety, difficulties with emotional regulation, low self-esteem, and challenges in building trust. As a Teaching Assistant, you’ll use a trauma-informed and nurturing approach, helping pupils feel safe, understood, and supported so they can engage in learning at their own pace.

You’ll build meaningful relationships, get to know each young person as an individual and celebrate progress that can sometimes look very different from a mainstream classroom. You’ll work closely with teachers, therapists, and the wider team to understand each pupil’s needs and identify the approaches that help them feel secure and ready to learn

One of the best environments in SEND

Hilden Park schoolis a purpose built, brand new, state of the art school, catering primarily for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Asperger’s and Speech, Language and Communication needs. The school provides education for up to 72 children aged 8 to 16. This new exciting opportunity serving Tonbridge and the wider communities; you can be at the heart of its development. Our aim is to ensure that every pupil has an outstanding educational experience with individual pupil progress and care at the heart of what is offered.

What we do for you

We know you’re going to do great things. For your hard work and commitment, we reward you with the best salary and benefits package in the education sector. With us, you’ll get to bring learning to life and make a genuine difference to the lives of our young people – plus you’ll get:

• Training: A full induction and on the job training
• Holiday: You’ll work hard at WG, so you’ll be rewarded with full school holidays
• Progression: If career development is your thing, most of our head teachers and leaders have been promoted from within our group
• Flexible benefits: meaning you can increase/decrease benefits such as life insurance – check out our benefits here
• Wellbeing: a host of wellbeing tools and advice including employee assistance
• Medical cover so you can claim back the cost of things like an opticians or dentist appointment and a host of high-street discounts
• Beautiful working environments with the very best facilities – check out our schools here
• A recommend a friend scheme that offers a £1,000 bonus every time
• Contributory pension (matched up to 5%)

Bring your whole-self to work

Our young people come from all walks of life, diverse backgrounds and with different needs – and our workforce reflects that diversity, so that our teams can engage, encourage and inspire our young people to be themselves. You’ll be more than a Teaching Assistant, you’ll be able to connect with our pupils because of:

• Your ‘can do’ attitude – a team player who rolls up their sleeves to help others
• Ideally you’ll have experience working in a classroom, but if not, we can provide you will all the relevant training
• Your genuine passion for supporting children to learn and the impact it can have on their lives
• Your enthusiasm and expertise to support the teacher and work closely with our therapists

Interested in joining us?

At Witherslack Group, inclusion is part of who we are. We’re committed to creating an environment where everyone feels respected, valued and that they truly belong.

As a specialist provider of education and care for children and young people with special educational needs, we understand the importance of embracing individuality and championing difference- especially when it comes to neurodiversity. We celebrate diverse perspectives, lived experiences, and the unique strengths that each person brings to our community.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities. We are proud to be recognised as an inclusive employer and are committed to making our recruitment and workplace practices inclusive and accessible. If you need any adjustments to support you through the recruitment process or in the workplace, we’ll be there every step of the way.

By building a diverse and inclusive team, we’re better able to support the children, young people and families we serve and ensure every member of our team can thrive, grow, and be their authentic self.

The Witherslack Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its young people. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check (we will cover the cost) and an online search. We are an equal opportunities employer welcoming applications from all sections of the community.

Special Education / Careers in Care / Careers in Special Education / Working with Children /
SEMH / SEN / ASD