Level 3 SEMH Teaching Assistant - Thorpe Hall Primary School

What skills and experience we're looking for

Vacancy

Level 3 SEMH Teaching Assistant

The Opossum Federation is seeking a dedicated and resilient individual to join the founding team of a brand-new Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) provision at Thorpe Hall Primary School. This is a pivotal initiative designed to provide high-quality, specialised support for pupils with complex needs, with plans to expand the provision to 10 places.

Role Overview

Workplace

Thorpe Hall Primary School, Walthamstow.

Salary

Scale 4 Points 7-11 (Outer London). £30,288 - £32,070 FTE (£26,059.07 - £27,592.26 Pro rata).

Contract

Permanent, 36 hours per week, 44.86 weeks per year.

Start Date

September 2026.

Key Responsibilities

As a key member of this new setting, you will work closely with the Lead

Teacher and federation leaders to

Support & Implementation

Prepare and deliver specialized learning support tailored to pupils with complex SEMH needs and assist in assessing small-step progress.

Behavioral Support

Implement school policies using trauma-informed practice and positive behavior approaches.

Pupil Integration

Support the review of EHCP targets and the reintegration of pupils into mainstream education.

Collaboration

Liaise with families and external professionals (such as CAMHS and EPS) to provide holistic support.

Candidate Requirements

The Opossum Federation is looking for candidates who possess

Qualifications

A Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification (or equivalent) and appropriate first aid training.

Experience

Relevant experience in a Primary or Early Years setting. Experience in specialised SEND settings or with SEMH needs is highly desirable.

Knowledge

An understanding of the SEN Code of Practice, EHCP processes, and various therapeutic interventions.

Personal Attributes

Resilience, effective communication skills, and a commitment to promoting high standards of behavior and inclusive education.

How to Apply

Application Method

Download an application pack from any Opossum Federation school website.

Submission

Send completed applications to hr@opossumed.org.

Closing Date

7th June 2026

Safeguarding Note

All appointments are subject to pre-employment checks, including enhanced DBS clearance and satisfactory references. Candidates must submit a self-disclosure form with their application.

What the school offers its staff

Why Join the Opossum Federation?

Supportive Culture

Benefit from a tailored CPD program, a comprehensive induction for new staff, and a strong focus on staff well-being and workload reduction.

Proven Excellence

Join a family of schools where two are rated 'Outstanding' and two are rated 'Good' by Ofsted.

Modern Resources

Work in a well-resourced environment featuring Google for Education integration and dedicated staff devices.

Commitment to safeguarding

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment. Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance. Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant): childcare disqualification Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) medical online and social media prohibition from teaching right to work satisfactory references suitability to work with children You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.