Learning Support Assistant / Teaching Assistant
Full-time | 8:30am – 3:30pm | Carshalton | SEMH Specialist School
Teaching Personnel is working closely with an exceptional SEMH school in the Carshalton area, supporting both primary and secondary learners. This is a school built on belief, inclusion, and genuine care for its students – a place where young people are valued for their strengths and potential.
Many pupils here have social, emotional, or mental health needs, often linked to trauma or additional diagnoses. The school takes a strengths-based approach, encouraging students to understand and embrace their individuality. The leadership team models this mindset; the Headteacher openly shares her own experience with dyslexia, shaping a leadership style that is authentic, inclusive, and supportive. Staff are encouraged, respected, and developed in a genuinely positive environment.
About the Role
As a Learning Support Assistant / Teaching Assistant, you will support the classroom as a whole rather than working one-to-one. You will work alongside the teaching staff to help maintain structure, stability, and engagement. Building relationships, staying visible in the room, and helping to create a calm, purposeful learning space are central parts of the role. No two days are the same, and you will see the impact you make every day.
Who Succeeds in This Environment
Individuals with backgrounds in sports, psychology, youth work, child development, or similar fields tend to excel. The school looks for people who are reliable, enthusiastic, proactive, and committed to supporting young people through both challenges and successes.
This is an SEMH setting, so you will need to be resilient, calm under pressure, and confident managing challenging behaviour, including occasional verbal or physical outbursts. Strong communication skills, especially in English, are essential. If you are the kind of person who doesn’t take things personally, stays steady in tough moments, and genuinely wants to make a difference, this role will suit you extremely well.
Progression and Development
The school invests heavily in its staff. Many support staff members have progressed into permanent roles and even moved on to teacher training. This is an excellent starting point for anyone considering a long-term career in education.
Why This School
You will be part of a values-driven, supportive team where your contribution genuinely matters. It is a rewarding role in an outstanding environment, and the work you do each day will have real meaning.
Interested?
If this opportunity appeals to you, I would be happy to discuss the role and the school in more detail.
All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.
All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.
Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.
We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.
For details of our privacy policy, please visit the Teaching Personnel website