Job description
Job Description: HLTA or Teaching Assistant (SEMH Focus)
Location: Radlett - Education Support Centre
Reports to: Assistant Headteacher
Contract Type: Full-time (Temp-Perm)
Salary: £90-£110 per day.
Start Date: School would like a candidate to start ASAP.
Job Purpose
We are seeking a compassionate, resilient, and experienced Teaching Assistant to join our dedicated team at Education Support Centre, supporting children and young people with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. This role is ideal for someone with previous experience working with individuals with SEMH difficulties and/or mental health backgrounds (, youth support, CAMHS, residential care, or healthcare settings).
The successful candidate will support students to re-engage in education, promote emotional wellbeing, and provide a structured, safe, and nurturing environment.
Key Responsibilities
Supporting Learning and Engagement for a variety of academic abilities at GCSE level and below.
Assist in the delivery of tailored learning activities under the guidance of the class teacher and potentially lead lessons independently.
Provide 1:1 and small group support to students with SEMH and additional needs, adapting approaches to suit individual learning styles.
Help students stay focused, manage tasks, and complete activities that support both academic and personal development.
Emotional and Behavioural Support
Build trusting and positive relationships with students, many of whom may have experienced trauma, anxiety, or mental health challenges.
Implement de-escalation strategies, emotion coaching, and behaviour regulation techniques in line with the centre's behaviour policy.
Provide emotional support and pastoral care, helping students develop resilience, self-regulation, and self-esteem.
Working with Mental Health and Complex Needs
Recognise signs of mental health difficulties and work closely with safeguarding, mental health leads, or external agencies when needed.
Maintain appropriate boundaries and a trauma-sensitive approach to care and communication.
Collaboration and Communication
Work as part of a multidisciplinary team, including teachers, therapists, SEN professionals, and mental health practitioners.
Liaise effectively with parents/carers, contributing to regular reviews and meetings regarding student progress and wellbeing.
Contribute to a positive, calm, and structured learning environment that supports all pupils to thrive.
General Duties
Maintain accurate and confidential records of behaviour, progress, and incidents as required.
Uphold and promote safeguarding procedures and responsibilities at all times.
Contribute to the overall ethos and development of the Education Support Centre.
Attend relevant training, CPD sessions, and team meetings.
Person Specification
Essential:
Experience working with children or young people with SEMH needs, behavioural challenges, or mental health conditions.
Understanding of the impact of trauma, anxiety, and attachment difficulties on learning.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Ability to remain calm and professional in challenging situations.
Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people.
Desirable:
Experience in an alternative provision, PRU (Pupil Referral Unit), special school, or mental health service (, residential support).
Knowledge of behaviour management strategies such as TEAM TEACH, MAPA, or de-escalation techniques.
Understanding of therapeutic approaches such as trauma-informed practice, restorative practice, or emotion coaching.
Relevant qualifications (, Level 2 or 3 Teaching Assistant, Youth Work, Mental Health First Aid, Counselling, Psychology).
We Offer:
A supportive and specialist team environment.
Ongoing training and professional development.
Opportunities to contribute to the growth of a nurturing and inclusive education setting.
A rewarding role that truly makes a difference in young lives.
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