Job description
Job Title: SEMH Teaching Assistant – Primary Support
Location: Lancing
Salary: £90 - £100 per day (Depending on experience)
Start Date: September 2025
Contract: Full-time, Long-term (Part-time roles also available)
Are you experienced in supporting children with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs or keen to develop a career in primary SEMH support?
GSL Education are seeking a SEMH Teaching Assistant to join a supportive primary school in Lancing, catering to children aged 4–11 with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) challenges, including anxiety, trauma-related difficulties, emotional dysregulation, and behavioural challenges.
About the Role: This is a child-focused, nurturing support role where you'll work closely with vulnerable children, helping them access learning while building emotional resilience. The school prioritises therapeutic approaches, emotional regulation, and creating safe spaces — all underpinned by consistency, empathy, and teamwork.
Experience with trauma-informed practice, de-escalation techniques, emotional regulation strategies, or supporting children with challenging behaviours will be a strong advantage — but if you're still growing these skills, you're warmly encouraged to apply.
Responsibilities:
- Provide 1:1 or small-group support to pupils with SEMH needs
- Help implement emotional regulation strategies and coping techniques
- Use calm, consistent approaches to support behaviour management
- Encourage positive relationships, trust-building, and social skills development
- Collaborate with teachers and pastoral staff to create supportive learning environments
- Support transition times and help children manage anxiety and stress
Requirements:
- Experience in primary settings or supporting children with SEMH needs is highly desirable
- Knowledge of SEMH strategies or experience supporting children with anxiety, trauma, or behavioural challenges
- Patient, empathetic, resilient personality with a child-centred approach
- Understanding of safeguarding and willingness to undertake relevant training
- Enhanced DBS registered to the update service (or willingness to apply)
What We Offer:
- Daily pay of £90–£100
- Specialist support from a dedicated education consultant
- Opportunities to develop SEMH specialism in a supportive team
Please be advised that this role requires a strong knowledge and understanding of safeguarding and child protection and that successful applicants must satisfy all background safer recruitment checks; including providing an enhanced DBS certificate registered on the update service, or completing an application for a new check.
As an ethical, inclusive and independent recruitment agency, GSL Education are committed to providing quality teaching and support staff in schools across the UK.
For more information about the position, please contact Georgia Haran at GSL Education.
To register your interest in the SEMH Teaching Assistant role, or to be considered, please click 'apply now' to submit your full and up-to-date CV and one of our dedicated consultants will be in touch.