Job Description

Learning Support Assistant (LSA) - Specialist SEMH School
Location: Barnet / Whetstone
Start Date: January 2027
Contract: Full-time, Monday to Friday

Are you an experienced Learning Support Assistant looking for a rewarding opportunity within a specialist secondary SEND setting?

We are working with a fantastic specialist school supporting young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, including anxiety, autism, ADHD and social communication difficulties.

The school is looking for compassionate, resilient and enthusiastic LSAs who can build positive relationships with pupils, support their emotional wellbeing and help them re-engage with education.

The Role:

  • Supporting secondary-aged pupils with SEMH and additional needs.

  • Providing 1:1 and small-group classroom support.

  • Helping pupils manage anxiety, emotional regulation and social challenges.

  • Using therapeutic and trauma-informed approaches to support engagement.

  • Building trusting relationships and creating a positive learning environment.

  • Encouraging independence, confidence and academic progress.

  • Working closely with teachers and the wider pastoral and therapeutic teams.

The Ideal Candidate:

  • Previous experience working within a secondary SEND or SEMH setting.

  • A strong understanding of anxiety, autism and ADHD.

  • Experience supporting pupils who have struggled in mainstream education.

  • Confident managing emotional dysregulation and challenging situations.

  • Patient, empathetic and resilient with excellent relationship-building skills.

  • A good understanding of positive behaviour support and de-escalation strategies.

  • Team Teach or other relevant behaviour management training would be advantageous.

What's on Offer?

  • Full-time, long-term opportunity starting January.

  • Competitive daily rates of pay.

  • Opportunity to work within a small, nurturing and therapeutic school environment.

  • A supportive team with a strong focus on pupil wellbeing and development.

  • The chance to make a genuine difference to young people's lives.

If you have experience supporting young people with SEMH needs and want to be part of a setting where relationships, wellbeing and progress really matter, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today!