Job Description:

SEMH Teaching Assistant - Specialist Secondary School

Location: Enfield, North London
Pay: £108.68 - £115 per day
Contract Type: Full-time | Long-term to Permanent
Start Date: September 2026 (or ASAP)
Commutable from: Barnet, Southgate, Cockfosters, Potters Bar, Edmonton, Cheshunt, Waltham Cross, Finchley, Enfield Town and surrounding North London areas.

Long Term Futures is recruiting on behalf of a specialist SEN school in Enfield for a resilient and compassionate SEMH Teaching Assistant to support secondary-aged pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a dedicated and supportive team, working closely with pupils who require additional emotional, behavioural and educational support to achieve positive outcomes. The successful candidate will play a key role in helping students develop confidence, emotional regulation and engagement with learning in a structured and nurturing specialist setting.

Working alongside teachers, therapists, pastoral staff and the wider SEND team, you will provide tailored one-to-one and small group support, helping pupils overcome barriers to learning while promoting independence, resilience and positive behaviour.

This role would suit candidates with previous experience in education, youth work, mentoring, support work, care or anyone with relevant lived experience who is passionate about supporting young people with additional needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide one-to-one and small group support for secondary-aged pupils with SEMH needs.
• Support pupils to overcome social, emotional and behavioural barriers to learning.
• Build positive, professional relationships that encourage engagement, confidence and resilience.
• Implement behaviour support strategies and personalised learning plans.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, therapists, pastoral teams and the SENCO to deliver effective support.
• Assist with the implementation of EHCP targets where appropriate.
• Adapt classroom activities to meet individual learning needs.
• Promote positive behaviour through consistency, encouragement and restorative approaches.
• Record pupil progress and communicate effectively with the wider school team.
• Act as a positive role model, promoting independence and personal development.

Essential Candidate Requirements

• Previous experience as a Teaching Assistant, SEMH Teaching Assistant, Behaviour Mentor, Learning Support Assistant, Youth Worker, Support Worker, Care Worker or in a similar role.
• Experience supporting children or young people with SEMH, SEND or behavioural needs is highly desirable.
• A calm, patient and resilient approach to supporting pupils with additional needs.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to build positive relationships and maintain professional boundaries.
• A genuine passion for supporting vulnerable young people to achieve their full potential.
• An Enhanced DBS on the Update Service, or willingness to obtain one.

What Long Term Futures Offers

• Competitive weekly pay.
• A dedicated consultant offering ongoing guidance and support.
• Long-term opportunities with the potential for permanent employment.
• Access to CPD, safeguarding and behaviour management training.
• A smooth and efficient registration process.
• Opportunities across a broad network of London schools.

Ready to Apply?

If you're looking for a rewarding opportunity to support young people with additional needs while developing your career within specialist education, we'd love to hear from you.

Submit your CV today. Successful applicants will be contacted for an initial conversation before progressing through safeguarding and compliance checks, followed by a school trial and interview.

By applying for this vacancy, you consent to Long Term Futures storing your personal data for recruitment purposes. Your information will only be shared where necessary to facilitate employment opportunities and in accordance with data protection legislation.

Long Term Futures is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS checks, satisfactory references, and safer recruitment procedures.