Aspiring Educational Psychologist – SEMH Teaching Assistant

Aspiring Educational Psychologist – SEMH Teaching Assistant
Primary School – Greenwich, South East London
Full time, long term role
Rate: £108.35 per day

Are you a Psychology graduate aspiring to become an Educational Psychologist? Are you passionate about child development, emotional wellbeing and understanding the reasons behind behaviour?

Pertemps Education Network is working in partnership with a welcoming primary school in Greenwich to recruit an enthusiastic and resilient Aspiring Educational Psychologist – SEMH Teaching Assistant.

This is an excellent opportunity for a Psychology graduate or aspiring Educational Psychologist to gain valuable, hands-on experience supporting primary-aged children with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, autism and behavioural difficulties.

You will be supporting two pupils who require dedicated, consistent support to help them manage their emotions, develop positive relationships and overcome barriers to learning.

One pupil has a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) alongside attachment difficulties and requires a consistent adult who can establish trust, provide reassurance and maintain clear boundaries.

The second pupil is experiencing emotional regulation difficulties following significant changes in their family circumstances. They require an empathetic and patient individual who can listen, acknowledge their feelings and help them develop positive coping strategies.

Both pupils can become dysregulated and may display behaviours such as leaving the classroom without permission, throwing objects, hitting and kicking. The successful candidate must be confident managing challenging situations, using appropriate de-escalation techniques and maintaining a calm, consistent approach.

The Role – SEMH & Behavioural Support

• Provide dedicated 1:1 support to pupils with SEMH needs, autism and attachment difficulties.
• Develop positive, trusting relationships and provide consistent emotional support.
• Help pupils understand, communicate and regulate their emotions.
• Recognise potential triggers and implement appropriate preventative strategies.
• Use positive behaviour management and de-escalation techniques.
• Respond calmly and confidently to challenging and physically dysregulated behaviours.
• Encourage classroom participation, positive social interactions and independence.
• Maintain clear boundaries through a fair, firm and nurturing approach.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, the SENCO and wider school team.

The Ideal Candidate

• Degree in Psychology, preferably with an interest in Educational or Child Psychology.
• Aspiring Educational Psychologist, Clinical Psychologist, Child Psychologist or SEN professional.
• Previous experience supporting children or young people with additional needs.
• An understanding of autism, attachment difficulties and SEMH.
• Experience managing challenging behaviour and supporting emotional regulation.
• Knowledge of positive behaviour management and de-escalation strategies.
• A calm, patient, empathetic and resilient personality.
• Someone who can build strong relationships while maintaining professional boundaries.

Candidates with backgrounds in psychology, youth work, residential care, mental health support, mentoring or SEN education are particularly encouraged to apply.
Why Apply?

• Excellent practical experience for aspiring Educational Psychologists.
• Develop an understanding of childhood development, attachment and behavioural psychology.
• Gain first-hand experience supporting children with autism and complex SEMH needs.
• Build practical skills in emotional regulation, behaviour management and de-escalation.
• Work alongside an experienced primary school team.
• Dedicated support from your Pertemps Education Network consultant.

To apply, please contact Charlie Hayes on: 

E: charlie.hayes@pertempseducation.co.uk
M: 07758 135 941