SEND & SEMH Teaching Assistant

Philosophy Education LTD.; Coton Park; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

Philosophy Education is seeking experienced SEND/SEMH Teaching Assistants to support pupils with additional learning needs across South East London and Kent. This role offers daily supply, short-term and long-term opportunities starting after October half term.

You will work 1:1 or in small groups, help with IEPs and behaviour support, and collaborate with teachers, SENCOs and pastoral teams to create an inclusive learning environment.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting pupils with SEND/SEMH needs.
• Ability to manage challenging behaviour with a nurturing approach.
• Strong communication and patience in a school setting.
• Experience working in mainstream or specialist SEND settings is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with additional needs.
• Support pupils with ASC, ADHD, SEMH and other learning difficulties.
• Assist with emotional regulation, behaviour management and engagement in learning.
• Implement IEPs, behaviour support plans and personalised learning strategies.
• Utilise positive behaviour management and de-escalation techniques.
• Collaborate with teachers, SENCOs and pastoral teams to create an inclusive learning environment.
• Help pupils develop confidence, independence, social skills and positive relationships.

Job description

Teachers – Ready for a New Opportunity in January 2027?

Location: South East London & Kent
Start Date: ASAP / After October Half Term
Contract Type: Full-Time, Short-Term & Long-Term Opportunities
Pay: Competitive daily rates, dependent on experience

Experienced SEND & SEMH Teaching Assistants – We Want to Hear From You!

Are you an experienced Teaching Assistant with a passion for supporting children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) or Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs?

Philosophy Education is looking to connect with dedicated, resilient and compassionate Teaching Assistants who have experience supporting pupils with additional learning, behavioural and emotional needs.

We work closely with mainstream schools, specialist provisions and alternative education settings across South East London and Kent, helping experienced support staff find rewarding opportunities where they can make a genuine difference.

The Role

As a SEND/SEMH Teaching Assistant, you will:

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with additional needs.
• Support children with Autism (ASC), ADHD, SEMH needs and other learning difficulties.
• Assist pupils with emotional regulation, behaviour management and engagement in learning.
• Implement individual education plans (IEPs), behaviour support plans and personalised learning strategies.
• Use positive behaviour management and de-escalation techniques to support pupils.
• Work closely with teachers, SENCOs and pastoral teams to create an inclusive learning environment.
• Help pupils develop confidence, independence, social skills and positive relationships.

What We're Looking For

We are particularly interested in candidates who have:

• Previous experience working as a SEND Teaching Assistant, SEMH Teaching Assistant, Behaviour Mentor or Learning Support Assistant.
• Experience supporting pupils with challenging behaviour, emotional dysregulation or complex additional needs.
• A good understanding of safeguarding and inclusive education.
• Strong communication, patience, resilience and a nurturing approach.
• Confidence supporting pupils on a 1:1 basis or within small groups.
• Experience working in mainstream schools, specialist SEND settings, PRUs or alternative provisions.

Experience with Team Teach, positive handling, trauma-informed practice, PECS, Makaton or other SEND support strategies would be advantageous but is not essential.

Why Work With Philosophy Education?

• Opportunities across a variety of mainstream and specialist school settings.
• Daily supply, short-term and long-term assignments to suit your availability.
• Opportunities for immediate starts and placements after October half term.
• Competitive rates of pay.
• Dedicated support from an experienced education recruitment consultant.
• Access to schools across South East London and Kent.

Philosophy Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants will be subject to relevant safeguarding checks, including an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.