Teaching Assistant – Social Emotional Mental Health

 
 Teaching Assistant / Learning Support Assistant / Classroom Assistant – SEMH School
Location: Horsham, West Sussex (Rural Location)Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm (Term Time Only)Pay: £127 per dayContract: Full-Time | Temp-to-Perm Pathway from Day OneStart Date: SeptemberDriver Required
Are you an experienced Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant or Classroom Assistant with a passion for supporting young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs?
Do you believe that strong relationships are the foundation for positive behaviour? Are you passionate about using connection before correction to help young people feel understood, valued and ready to learn?
Pink Tile Education is working in partnership with a fantastic SEMH school near Horsham, who are looking for a dedicated and resilient Teaching Assistant / Learning Support Assistant to join their team from September.
This specialist Horsham school supports boys across primary and secondary age groups who have a range of SEMH needs. The school understands that behaviour is often a form of communication and takes a relationship-based approach to supporting students. The focus is on building trust, understanding individual needs and helping pupils develop the skills they need to regulate their emotions and succeed.
This role would suit someone who is confident supporting young people with challenging behaviour and understands that consistency, patience and empathy are key. You will be someone who can remain calm in difficult situations, build genuine connections with students and support them through moments of frustration, anxiety or dysregulation.
The school is set within a beautiful rural location, offering incredible grounds and specialist facilities that allow pupils to learn, develop and thrive in a safe and supportive environment.
Please note: Due to the rural location of the school, you must be a driver with access to your own transport.
What You’ll Be Doing

Working as a Teaching Assistant / Learning Support Assistant supporting boys with SEMH needs.

Building positive and trusting relationships with students through a connection-first approach.

Supporting pupils across primary and secondary age groups.

Using effective behaviour management strategies to support emotional regulation and engagement.

Understanding the reasons behind behaviour and responding with patience and consistency.

Helping students develop confidence, resilience and independence.

Supporting learning both inside and outside of the classroom.

Working alongside teachers, pastoral staff and the wider team to provide consistent support.

Encouraging pupils to recognise their strengths and achieve their potential.

What We’re Looking For

Experience working as a Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant, Classroom Assistant, Youth Worker, Support Worker or similar.

Experience supporting children or young people with SEMH needs.

Strong behaviour management skills and confidence supporting challenging behaviour.

An understanding of trauma-informed approaches and emotional regulation.

Someone who believes in connection before correction and building relationships first.

A calm, consistent and resilient approach.

The ability to remain positive and patient when supporting students through difficult moments.

Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.

A full UK driving licence and access to transport is essential.

Why Join This Horsham SEMH School?

A beautiful rural setting with exceptional facilities and outdoor spaces.

A school that prioritises relationships, emotional wellbeing and pupil development.

A supportive and experienced team who understand the needs of SEMH learners.

Small class sizes allowing you to build meaningful relationships with students.

A highly rewarding role where you can make a lasting difference.

The opportunity to develop your skills in behaviour management and SEMH support.

Temp-to-perm pathway from Day One – start through Pink Tile Education with the opportunity to secure a permanent role once you’ve demonstrated you’re the right fit for the school.

Permanent staff receive a full-time salary and are not pro-rata, despite working term time only, meaning you benefit from a full-time wage while enjoying school holidays.

Recruitment Timeline

Interviews taking place in early September.

September start available for the successful candidate.

If you are looking for your next Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant or Classroom Assistant role in Horsham, and you have the passion, patience and behaviour management skills to support young people with SEMH needs, we’d love to hear from you.

Pink Tile Education
Pink Tile Education is a specialist recruitment agency dedicated to matching talented education professionals with schools where they can truly thrive. We take the time to understand both our candidates and our partner schools, ensuring the right fit for everyone involved.
Our team has extensive experience within education, particularly across SEND and SEMH settings, meaning we understand the unique challenges and rewards these roles bring.
Safeguarding Statement:Pink Tile Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, professional references and all other safer recruitment checks in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance.
Important Notice:In accordance with the Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations 2003, this advertisement is for the purpose of identifying suitable applicants. We reserve the right to withdraw the advert prior to the closing date should a suitable candidate be appointed.