SEN/SEMH Learning Support Assistant – Hackney

Smile Education; Greater London; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

Smile Education in Hackney is seeking a compassionate SEN/SEMH Learning Support Assistant to support pupils with learning, behaviour, emotional regulation and social development. You will be a consistent, positive presence providing 1:1 and small-group support.

You will work closely with teachers and the pastoral/SEN team to help pupils regulate emotions, build independence and celebrate progress. DBS Update Service is required, or willingness to obtain one ASAP, with role starting ASAP /

Qualifications

• Experience with children or young people with SEN and/or SEMH
• Experience providing 1:1 and/or small-group support
• Calm, patient and emotionally intelligent
• Able to engage pupils who are difficult to engage
• Confident in managing challenging behaviour
• Knowledge of PECS and/or Makaton would be a bonus
• Understands boundaries, consistency and routine
• Resilient and persistent
• Willing to undergo DBS Update Service ASAP

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with additional needs
• Support SEN and SEMH needs in and out of the classroom
• Help pupils regulate emotions and manage challenging situations
• Build positive, trusting relationships with pupils
• Support learning, engagement and confidence
• Collaborate with teachers and the pastoral/SEN team
• Encourage independence and self-belief
• Celebrate pupil progress, including small victories

Skills

1:1 support

Small-group support

SEN & SEMH

Emotional intelligence

Relationship building

Behaviour management

PECS/Makaton bonus

Job description

SEN/SEMH Learning Support Assistant

Not just a job. A chance to be the person a young person remembers.

Some pupils need a little more than a lesson plan.

They might need someone who can spot when they’re becoming overwhelmed. Someone who understands that challenging behaviour is often a form of communication. Someone who can build trust slowly, celebrate the small wins and keep showing up when things get difficult.

That’s where you come in.

We’re looking for a compassionate, resilient and confident SEN/SEMH Learning Support Assistant to join a welcoming school in Hackney, supporting pupils who may need additional help with their learning, behaviour, emotional regulation and social development.

What will you be doing?

You’ll be much more than an extra pair of hands in the classroom. You’ll be a consistent and positive presence for pupils who may need that additional layer of support.

Your day could involve:

• Providing 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with additional needs
• Supporting pupils with SEN and SEMH needs, both in and outside the classroom
• Helping pupils regulate their emotions and manage challenging situations
• Building positive, trusting relationships with pupils
• Supporting learning, engagement and confidence
• Working closely with teachers and the wider pastoral/SEN team
• Encouraging pupils to develop greater independence and self-belief
• Celebrating progress — including the small victories that others might miss

We’re looking for someone who...

• Has previous experience working with children or young people with SEN and/or SEMH needs
• Has experience providing 1:1 and/or small-group support
• Is calm, patient and emotionally intelligent
• Can build relationships with pupils who may initially be difficult to engage
• Is confident managing challenging behaviour
• Knowledge of PECS and/or Makaton would be a bonus.
• Understands the importance of boundaries, consistency and routine
• Is resilient and doesn't give up easily
• Genuinely wants to make a difference
• Has a DBS on the Update Service or is willing to have one processed ASAP.

What you'll get in return

This is an opportunity to join a school where your work can have a real and visible impact on pupils' lives.

You'll gain valuable experience working alongside experienced education professionals, develop your SEN/SEMH expertise and, most importantly, have the opportunity to help young people overcome barriers and recognise what they are capable of.

If you're the kind of person who sees the child behind the behaviour, we'd love to hear from you.

Location: Hackney

Role: SEN/SEMH Learning Support Assistant

Support: 1:1 & small-group

Setting: Primary/Secondary School

Start: ASAP / September 2026

We are committed to safeguarding children. Each applicant will be expected to undertake compliance checks including Prohibited list, Barred list, DBS and Qualifications.