SEND Teaching Assistant

Teaching Assistant – SEMH & Autism Support

Thatcham area | Immediate Start | Exclusive Opportunity

Reed Education is proud to be working in partnership with a highly regarded specialist provision in the Thatcham area, recruiting a Teaching Assistant to support students with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, including autism and dysregulated behaviour.

This is a rare opportunity to join a setting where Reed has an established relationship — not all agencies have access to this role. Reed has successfully placed a number of teachers and support staff at this school, with excellent retention and long-term success.

About the School

This specialist provision supports young people who have experienced challenges in mainstream education, offering a nurturing, structured, and therapeutic environment.

Recent feedback highlights that:

• Staff create a calm, kind and nurturing atmosphere where pupils feel safe and supported 
• Strong relationships between staff and students help build trust, confidence and self-belief 
• Pupils are keen to succeed and make strong personal and academic progress
• The provision is recognised as ‘Good’ across all areas by Ofsted, including education, behaviour, and leadership

Parents and carers frequently comment that students “thrive” in the environment, becoming happier, more confident, and engaged in learning 

The Role

The successful Teaching Assistant will:

• Support students with SEMH needs, autism, and behavioural challenges
• Help manage dysregulated behaviour using a calm, consistent approach
• Build positive, trusting relationships with students
• Support teaching staff in delivering tailored learning plans
• Encourage emotional regulation, resilience, and engagement

Who Should Apply

The school warmly welcomes applications from candidates with a range of backgrounds.

Ideal experience includes:

• Teaching Assistant / school support experience
• Youth work or mentoring
• Care sector (residential, support work, mental health, etc.)
• Psychology or criminology graduates
• Any role involving behaviour support, emotional regulation, or safeguarding

Transferable skills are highly valued – if you have experience supporting individuals with challenging behaviour or additional needs, you are strongly encouraged to apply.

Why This Role?

• Join a well-established, supportive team
• Work in a setting where staff genuinely change young people’s lives
• Be part of a provision where students feel safe, valued, and understood
• Excellent track record: Reed staff placed here consistently stay long-term