SEMH Teaching Assistant – Guildford, Surrey

Make a real difference. Change lives every day!

Location: Guildford, Surrey
Job Type: Full-time / Part-time
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
Start Date: Immediate start available

Are you passionate about supporting children and young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs? Do you have the patience, resilience and compassion to help pupils overcome barriers to learning and reach their full potential?

We are seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic SEMH Teaching Assistant to join a supportive educational setting in Guildford. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who wants to make a genuine difference by helping pupils develop confidence, emotional regulation and positive relationships.

The Role

You will support pupils who may experience emotional difficulties, anxiety, challenging behaviour, trauma-related needs or difficulties engaging with education. Working closely with teaching staff and pastoral teams, you will help create a safe, structured and nurturing environment where every pupil has the opportunity to succeed.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide one-to-one and small-group support to pupils with SEMH needs.
• Build positive, trusting relationships with pupils.
• Support emotional regulation, self-esteem and social development.
• Encourage positive behaviour using consistent and supportive strategies.
• Help pupils engage with learning and develop independence.
• Respond calmly and appropriately to challenging situations.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, pastoral staff and other professionals.
• Promote safeguarding, inclusion and pupil wellbeing at all times.

The Ideal Candidate

• Has a genuine passion for supporting children and young people.
• Is patient, empathetic, resilient and understanding.
• Has strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Can remain calm under pressure and respond positively to challenging behaviour.
• Is proactive, reliable and able to work effectively as part of a team.
• Has previous experience in SEMH, SEN, youth work, care or behaviour support (desirable but not essential).

What We Offer

• A rewarding opportunity to make a lasting difference.
• A supportive and welcoming working environment.
• Opportunities for training and professional development.
• Competitive rates of pay, depending on experience.
• Valuable experience supporting pupils with additional needs.

Safeguarding: The successful candidate will be required to complete appropriate pre-employment and safeguarding

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.