SEMH SEN Teaching Assistant

SEMH SEN Teaching Assistant Location: Reading, RG30
Job Type: Full-Time, Term-Time Only
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
Empower Young Minds. Change Futures. Are you passionate about helping children overcome challenges and reach their full potential? Do you have the patience, resilience, and empathy needed to support pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs?
We are recruiting on behalf of a specialist SEMH Primary School in Reading (RG30) seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic SEMH SEN Teaching Assistant to join their supportive team. This is an incredibly rewarding opportunity to make a genuine difference in the lives of children who require additional emotional and behavioural support to succeed both academically and personally.
The Role As an SEMH SEN Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with teachers and support staff to provide tailored support for pupils who may have experienced significant barriers to learning. You will play a vital role in helping pupils develop confidence, emotional resilience, and positive relationships.
Key responsibilities include:

• Providing 1:1 and small group support to pupils with SEMH needs
• Supporting pupils to regulate their emotions and engage positively in learning
• Building trusting and consistent relationships with pupils
• Assisting with behaviour support strategies and de-escalation techniques
• Encouraging positive social interactions and emotional development
• Supporting the delivery of personalised learning plans
• Promoting a safe, nurturing, and inclusive classroom environment
• Working collaboratively with teachers, therapists, parents, and external professionals

About the School This specialist primary school supports pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs, providing a structured and nurturing environment where every child is encouraged to thrive. The school is committed to helping pupils build self-esteem, develop coping strategies, and achieve positive outcomes both academically and socially.
What We’re Looking For The ideal candidate will be:

• Passionate about supporting children with additional needs
• Patient, resilient, and emotionally intelligent
• Confident managing challenging behaviour in a calm and positive manner
• Able to establish strong professional boundaries while building rapport
• A proactive team player with excellent communication skills
• Committed to safeguarding and promoting pupil welfare

Ideal Experience Applications are welcomed from individuals with experience in:

• SEMH Schools
• Special Educational Needs (SEND) settings
• Alternative Provision
• Youth Work
• Residential Care
• Children’s Care Settings
• Mental Health Support Roles
• Behaviour Support Positions
• Sports Coaching or Mentoring

Graduates in Psychology, Criminology, Education, Social Work, or related subjects are also encouraged to apply.
What the School Offers

• A welcoming and highly supportive team environment
• Comprehensive training and ongoing professional development
• Valuable experience working within a specialist SEMH setting
• Opportunities for career progression within education and SEND
• The chance to make a lasting difference to the lives of vulnerable children
• A rewarding role where no two days are the same

Apply Now If you’re passionate about supporting children with SEMH needs and want to be part of a team dedicated to transforming young lives, we’d love to hear from you.
Apply today to join this specialist SEMH Primary School in Reading (RG30) and help pupils build brighter futures.