SEN Teaching Assistant – SEMH, Emotional Regulation & Pastoral Support

Location: Hammersmith (Ravenscourt Park area) London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham
Setting: Mainstream Primary School with Strong Pastoral & SEN Provision
Contract: Full-Time Long-Term Term-Time Only
Start Date: ASAP (Interviews Ongoing)

Overview of the Role

A supportive and well-led primary school in the Ravenscourt Park area of Hammersmith is seeking a skilled and emotionally intelligent SEN Teaching Assistant to support pupils with SEMH (Social Emotional and Mental Health needs) autism and additional learning needs. This role has a strong pastoral and emotional regulation focus making it ideal for an SEN professional who understands the impact of trauma anxiety and unmet needs on behaviour and learning.

This position goes beyond academic support. You will work closely with pupils who require consistent adult guidance to help them regulate emotions manage behaviour and engage positively with school life. Many pupils supported in this role struggle with emotional literacy impulse control and peer relationships and benefit from calm predictable and relational support.

The school is committed to inclusion and believes that strong pastoral care is key to helping pupils with SEN succeed.

About the School

The school is located near Ravenscourt Park and serves a diverse close-knit community. It has a strong reputation for its pastoral care safeguarding culture and inclusive ethos. SEN support is well embedded across the school with clear systems in place to support pupils with SEMH and emotional regulation needs.

The leadership team is highly supportive of SEN staff and understands the demands of working with pupils who present emotional and behavioural challenges. Teaching Assistants are treated as valued professionals and are actively involved in planning behaviour reviews and pastoral discussions.

The school offers:

• Clear behaviour and pastoral frameworks

• Strong SENCO and pastoral leadership

• Access to external SEMH and wellbeing services

• A calm structured school environment

• A culture of teamwork and mutual support

Key Responsibilities

As an SEN Teaching Assistant with a pastoral focus your responsibilities will include:

• Providing 1:1 SEN support to pupils with SEMH and autism

• Supporting pupils in line with EHCP outcomes and individual behaviour plans

• Helping pupils develop emotional regulation and self-awareness skills

• Supporting positive behaviour through consistent boundaries and calm communication

• Acting as a trusted adult for pupils who struggle with emotional expression

• Supporting pupils to access learning by reducing emotional barriers

• Assisting pupils during high-risk times including transitions and unstructured periods

• Supporting pupils during playtimes and lunchtimes where pastoral input is required

• Working closely with class teachers SENCOs and pastoral leads

• Recording observations related to behaviour emotional wellbeing and progress

• Promoting independence while maintaining emotional safety

• Upholding safeguarding procedures and pupil wellbeing at all times

This role requires patience empathy and the ability to remain calm and professional in emotionally charged situations.

The Ideal Candidate

The school is looking for an SEN Teaching Assistant who:

• Has experience supporting pupils with SEMH or behavioural needs

• Understands behaviour as communication

• Is calm consistent and emotionally resilient

• Can build strong trusting relationships with pupils

• Is confident supporting emotional regulation and wellbeing

• Works effectively as part of a pastoral and SEN team

• Is reliable professional and committed to long-term SEN work

• Has a genuine passion for inclusion and child wellbeing

Experience working with pupils affected by anxiety trauma or attachment-related needs is highly desirable.

Essential Requirements

• Previous experience as an SEN Teaching Assistant or similar role

• Understanding of SEMH autism and emotional regulation strategies

• Strong safeguarding awareness

• Enhanced DBS on the Update Service (or willingness to apply)

• Availability for full-time long-term work

What the School Offers

• A long-term SEN role with a strong pastoral focus

• Supportive leadership and SENCO guidance

• Clear behaviour and wellbeing systems

• Opportunities to develop SEMH and pastoral expertise

• A respectful and inclusive staff culture

• Competitive pay based on experience

Why This Role Is Different

This role is ideal for an SEN Teaching Assistant who wants to:

• Focus on emotional wellbeing and SEMH support

• Build meaningful long-term relationships with pupils

• Work in a school that values pastoral care as much as academic progress

• Make a visible difference to pupils confidence behaviour and engagement

How to Apply

If you are an experienced SEN Teaching Assistant seeking a rewarding SEMH-focused role in Hammersmith (Ravenscourt Park area) we encourage you to apply. Please submit your CV outlining your SEN and pastoral experience.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.