SEMH Support Assistant

Position: SEMH Support Assistant (Contract)
Be the steady presence that makes school feel safe.
We’re looking for kind, calm, and confident SEMH Support Assistants to work across fantastic schools in South East London. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or new to the game, if you’ve got the heart and resilience to support children with social, emotional and mental health needs, we want to hear from you.

What you’ll be doing :

Supporting pupils (often 1:1) who need a little extra help to feel settled and succeed at school

Building trusting relationships and helping students manage emotions and behaviour

Encouraging engagement with learning—sometimes in the classroom, sometimes in quieter spaces

Working with staff, families, and specialists to support each child’s progress

You’d be a great fit if you:

Have experience with SEMH, trauma-informed care, or behaviour support (in schools or elsewhere)

Can stay calm under pressure and lead with empathy

Believe in second chances, fresh starts, and finding what works for each child

Know how to set boundaries kindly but firmly

Even better if you:

Have Thrive training (if not, we’ll help you get it—free!)

Have worked with children affected by ACEs, anxiety, ADHD or autism

Are creative and adaptable—you might use drawing, movement, games or mindfulness in your support

Why work with Protocol Education?

Weekly pay through PAYE—no umbrella surprises

Free CPD including behaviour, de-escalation and Thrive training

‍ Supportive, straight-talking consultants who know their schools

Opportunities in primary, secondary, and alternative provisions

If you’re ready to be a lifeline for a pupil who needs it most—apply now.
Or drop us a message and we’ll help you find your perfect match.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQs on the Protocol Education website for further details.

All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.

Protocol Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with the DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’, this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.

We offer FREE online safeguarding and Prevent Duty training to all our workers. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and subscribe to the DBS Update Service.

Full assistance provided. For details of our privacy policy, please see visit the Protocol Education website