SEMH Teaching Assistant - Guildford

Contract job recruited via Veritas (London, UK)
Job Reference ZL/021_1790162442
Closing date October 23, 2026
Location Surrey, United Kingdom
Status Contract
Contact Roscoe Price Moor
+64 273124286
rpricemoor@veritas-education.com

About this job

SEMH Teaching Assistant - Specialist School - Guildford GU5

Are you a confident, resilient and emotionally intelligent Teaching Assistant with experience supporting children and young people with SEMH and challenging behaviour?

We are recruiting for an SEMH Teaching Assistant to join a specialist school in the Guildford GU5 area, supporting pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs.

This role would suit someone who is patient, consistent and confident managing challenging behaviour, while building positive relationships and helping pupils overcome barriers to learning.

The Role

As an SEMH Teaching Assistant, you will:

  • Provide 1:1 and small-group support.

  • Support pupils inside and outside the classroom.

  • Build positive, trusting relationships with pupils.

  • Support emotional regulation, confidence, resilience and independence.

  • Manage challenging behaviour using positive behaviour and de-escalation strategies.

  • Maintain clear and consistent boundaries.

  • Encourage pupils to engage with learning and school activities.

  • Follow individual behaviour and support plans.

  • Work closely with teachers, SENCOs, pastoral staff and other professionals.

  • Monitor pupil behaviour, wellbeing and progress.

  • Help maintain a calm, safe and structured environment.

  • Who We're Looking For

    The ideal candidate will have:

  • Strong experience supporting children or young people with SEMH or challenging behaviour.

  • Experience in specialist schools, PRUs, alternative provision, youth work, residential care or behaviour support.

  • Confidence managing challenging or dysregulated behaviour.

  • Strong behaviour management and de-escalation skills.

  • A calm, patient and resilient approach.

  • Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

  • The ability to maintain appropriate boundaries while building trust.

  • A proactive and adaptable approach.

  • A background in youth work, mentoring, sports coaching, care or support work is beneficial.

  • Valid Child and Adult DBS essential.

  • You don't necessarily need previous experience as a Teaching Assistant. If you have strong experience supporting young people with behavioural, emotional or social difficulties, we'd like to hear from you.

    Why This Role?

  • Full-time, term-time only.

  • ASAP start.

  • Specialist school in Guildford GU5.

  • Supportive and experienced team.

  • Training and professional development opportunities.

  • Valuable experience within specialist education.

  • Opportunity to make a genuine difference to young people's lives.

  • Apply Now

    If you're a resilient, patient and confident individual passionate about supporting young people with SEMH needs, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.

    Whether your background is in education, youth work, behaviour support, residential care, mentoring, sport or support work, we'd love to hear from you.

    Apply now for an ASAP start in Guildford GU5. Child and Adult DBS essential.

    This role is subject to appropriate safeguarding checks, including an Enhan

    APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR VERITAS EDUCATION

  • All applications are subject to an Enhanced DBS Disclosure, professional reference checks, Overseas Police Clearances (if applicable) in line with our stringent safeguarding policy
  • Your CV must cover the last 10 years of employment history where possible and all employment breaks must be explained
  • You must have legal right to work in the UK
  • You must be willing to attend a registration interview
  • Veritas Education work with a variety of schools covering a wide geographical area. We deal with teaching placements at Primary, Secondary and college level as well as support staff positions also within these.

    Disclaimer

    'Nothing within the above advert was in any way designed or intended to discriminate on the grounds of age, gender, race, colour, religion, disability or sexual orientation. Veritas Education is an Equal opportunities employer and is proud in the knowledge that all placements are made on merit and suitability. We accept applications from all sections of the community.'