Teaching Assistant

Academics Ltd.; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialist SEMH school in Reading seeks a Teaching Assistant for Mental Health to support children with SEMH needs. This full-time role offers hands-on experience, ideal for graduates aspiring to work in Educational Psychology or related fields. The position involves supporting pupils individually and in groups, assisting with emotional engagement, and collaborating with educational professionals. An immediate start is available, with operational hours from 8:30am to 3:30pm, Monday to Friday.

Benefits

Daily exposure to therapists

Mentoring opportunities

Supportive environment

Qualifications

• Genuine interest in child mental health and SEN.
• Resilient, proactive, and confident in supporting challenging behaviour.
• Graduates in relevant fields preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils with SEMH and complex needs on a 1:1 basis.
• Assist with emotional regulation and behaviour support.
• Work closely with teachers and educational professionals.

Skills

Child mental health interest

Supporting challenging behaviour

Building relationships with pupils

Emotional regulation assistance

Education

Degree in Psychology, Counselling, or Criminology

Job description

Teaching Assistant – Mental Health / SEN – Aspiring Educational Psychologist – Reading, Berkshire – Full-time | ASAP Start – £85–£110 per day

A specialist SEMH primary school in Reading is seeking a Mental Health Assistant / SEN Teaching Assistant to support children aged 4–11 with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs and complex behaviours.

This role is well suited to graduates considering a future career in Educational Psychology, mental health, therapeutic support, or SEN teaching, and offers excellent hands‑on experience in a specialist setting.

The Teaching Assistant - Mental Health role

• Support pupils with SEMH and complex needs on a 1:1 and small‑group basis
• Assist with emotional regulation, behaviour support, and classroom engagement
• Work closely with teachers, therapists, counsellors, and educational psychologists
• Help maintain a safe, structured, and nurturing learning environment
• Build positive, consistent relationships with pupils

What the school offers to the Teaching Assistant - Mental Health

• Daily exposure to on‑site therapists and educational psychologists
• Mentoring and opportunities to observe specialist professionals
• Strong hands‑on experience in SEMH and SEN support
• A supportive, child‑centred specialist environment

Ideal candidate

• Graduates in Psychology, Counselling, Criminology, or related fields (other degrees considered)
• Genuine interest in child mental health and SEN
• Resilient, proactive, and confident supporting challenging behaviour
• Previous SEN or mental health experience desirable but not essential

Key details

• Start: ASAP
• Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30am–3:30pm
• Location: Reading, Berkshire