Trainee SEMH Teaching Assistant

Vision for Education Ltd; East Finchley; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 20,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PAYE payroll

Pension contributions

AWR compliance

Free training

Job summary

Smart Teachers is recruiting a SEMH Teaching Assistant in Finchley, North London. The role is full-time (09:00-15:00, Mon-Fri), temporary to permanent, starting September 2026, with a salary of £18,000-£20,000 depending on experience.

The position is based in a specialist SEMH provision a short walk from Woodside Park station. The successful candidate will provide 1:1 and group support, encourage positive behaviour, and support both academic progress and emotional growth.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting children with SEMH and/or SEND is desirable.
• Patient, empathetic and adaptable nature required.
• Commitment to helping children thrive inside and outside the classroom.

Responsibilities

• Providing 1:1 and small-group support across the primary age range.
• Encouraging positive behaviour and social interaction.
• Supporting academic progress alongside emotional and personal growth.
• Working with teachers, therapists, and pastoral staff to deliver a holistic approach.

Skills

SEMH support

SEND experience

Patience

Empathy

Adaptability

Team collaboration

Job description

SEMH Teaching Assistant
Finchley, North London
£18,000- 20,000 (depending on experience/qualifications) Temp to Perm
Start date: September 2026, Hours: 09:00- 15:00 Mon-Fri

We are seeking a caring, resilient and enthusiastic Teaching Assistant to join a specialist SEMH provision in Finchley a short walk from Woodsize park station. The school supports children with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), with a strong focus on helping pupils manage their social, emotional and behavioural needs alongside their academic development.

This is a nurturing, supportive environment where staff work closely together to give every child the chance to flourish, gain confidence, and develop the skills they need for the future.

What the school offers:

• A personalised, creative curriculum that meets the needs of each learner

• Access to specialist support, including therapists and external professionals

• A caring, inclusive culture where staff are valued and supported

• Opportunities for children to build resilience, improve behaviour, and progress towards reintegration into mainstream education where appropriate

Your role will include:

• Providing 1:1 and small-group support across the primary age range

• Encouraging positive behaviour and social interaction

• Supporting children's academic progress alongside their emotional and personal growth

• Working collaboratively with teachers, therapists, and pastoral staff to deliver a holistic approach

What we're looking for:

• Experience supporting children with SEMH and/or SEND (desirable but not essential)

• A patient, empathetic, and adaptable nature

• A genuine commitment to helping children thrive both inside and outside the classroom

• Availability for full-time work (Monday-Friday, 8:15am-4:00pm)

What Smart Teachers offer

As a valued employee of Smart Teachers, you will receive:

• Excellent daily rates paid weekly by our in-house Payroll team using thePay As You Earn (PAYE) system.
• Pension contributions
• Full compliance with AWR (Agency Workers' Regulations), to make sure you get thepay andworkingconditionsyou are entitled to.
• FREE training to help with your professional development such as Team Teach training, online webinar