SEMH Teaching Assistant - Secondary School

Location: Merton, South West London
Pay: -108.68 - -115 per day
Contract Type: Full-time | Temporary to Permanent
Start Date: September 2026 (or ASAP)
Commutable from: Wandsworth, Sutton, Croydon, Kingston, Lambeth, Richmond, Wimbledon, Mitcham, Morden and surrounding South West London areas.

Long Term Futures is recruiting a resilient and dedicated SEMH Teaching Assistant to join a supportive secondary school in Merton. This full-time role is ideal for someone who is passionate about supporting young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, helping them overcome barriers to learning, improve behaviour, and achieve positive outcomes both inside and outside the classroom.

Working across Key Stages 3 and 4, you will provide tailored support to students with SEMH needs, behavioural challenges, ADHD, Autism (ASC), and other additional learning needs. You''ll work closely with teaching and pastoral staff to create a safe, engaging and inclusive learning environment where every student can succeed.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide one-to-one and small group support for students with SEMH needs across KS3 and KS4.
• Build positive, trusting relationships with pupils to encourage engagement, attendance and emotional wellbeing.
• Support students in managing behaviour using consistent and positive behaviour strategies.
• Work alongside teachers to adapt learning activities and remove barriers to learning.
• Help pupils regulate emotions and develop resilience, confidence and independence.
• Support students during lessons, transitions, breaktimes and intervention sessions where required.
• Work collaboratively with the SENCO, pastoral team and external professionals to implement individual support plans and EHCPs.
• Monitor behaviour, attendance and academic progress, providing regular feedback to staff.
• Promote safeguarding, inclusion and positive behaviour throughout the school.
• Act as a positive role model, encouraging students to reach their full potential.

Essential Candidate Requirements

• Previous experience working as an SEMH Teaching Assistant, Behaviour Mentor, Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant, Youth Worker, Support Worker or in a similar role supporting young people.
• Experience supporting students with SEMH, challenging behaviour, ADHD, Autism (ASC) or other additional needs.
• A calm, patient and resilient approach with excellent behaviour management skills.
• Strong communication and relationship-building abilities.
• Confidence working with secondary-aged students.
• A genuine passion for supporting vulnerable young people and promoting positive outcomes.
• Enhanced DBS on the Update Service, or willingness to obtain one.

What Long Term Futures Offers

• Competitive weekly pay.
• A dedicated consultant providing ongoing support throughout your placement.
• Opportunities to secure long-term and permanent positions.
• Access to CPD, safeguarding and behaviour management training.
• A straightforward registration and compliance process.
• Opportunities across a wide network of schools throughout London.

Ready to Apply?

If you''re looking to make a genuine difference to the lives of young people with SEMH needs and want to join a supportive secondary school in Merton, we''d love to hear from you.

Apply today with your CV. Successful applicants will be contacted for an initial discussion before completing safeguarding and compliance checks and attending a trial day and interview.

By applying for this role, you consent to Long Term Futures storing your personal data for recruitment purposes. Your information will not be shared with third parties without your consent, except where necessary to secure employment.

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.