Location: Between Horsham & Billingshurst, West Sussex – rural location
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm (Term Time Only)
Pay: £127 per day
Contract: Full-Time | Temp-to-Perm Pathway from Day One
Start Date: September
Driver Required
Are you an experienced Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant or Classroom Assistant with a passion for supporting young people with SEMH and additional needs?
Do you believe that strong relationships are the foundation for positive behaviour? Are you passionate about using connection before correction to help young people feel understood, valued and ready to learn?
Pink Tile Education is working in partnership with a fantastic specialist SEMH school in a beautiful rural setting near Horsham, supporting boys aged 5–18 across primary, secondary and post-16 education.
The school supports pupils with a range of complex needs, including SEMH, autism, ADHD and trauma, with every student having an active EHC Plan. The school takes a highly individualised approach, recognising that every young person has different emotional, sensory and learning needs.
The focus is on building trust, developing positive relationships and helping pupils understand and regulate their emotions, while supporting them to develop confidence, resilience and independence.
Set across 23 acres of beautiful countryside, the school offers an environment where learning extends far beyond the classroom. There are extensive outdoor spaces, sports facilities, a Forest School programme, sensory areas and all-weather tracks, providing fantastic opportunities for pupils to learn through practical and outdoor activities.
The school also has an on-site therapy centre, providing access to a range of specialist support including speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, CBT, play therapy, music and drama therapy and counselling.
There is also a school farm and animal-assisted support, including therapy dogs, which form an important part of the school’s approach to supporting emotional wellbeing.
For older pupils, the school offers specialist vocational facilities and dedicated independent living accommodation, helping students develop life skills, independence and preparation for adulthood.
This is a fantastic setting for someone who enjoys being active, outdoors and involved in practical activities, as well as someone who is passionate about helping young people develop socially and emotionally.
Working as a Teaching Assistant / Learning Support Assistant supporting boys with SEMH and additional needs.
Building positive and trusting relationships with students through a connection-first approach.
Supporting pupils across primary, secondary and post-16 age groups.
Using effective behaviour management strategies to support emotional regulation and engagement.
Helping students manage moments of frustration, anxiety and dysregulation.
Supporting individual sensory and emotional regulation strategies, including brain breaks and personalised routines.
Helping students develop confidence, resilience, independence and life skills.
Supporting learning both inside and outside of the classroom.
Getting involved in outdoor activities, sports and practical learning opportunities.
Working alongside teachers, therapists, pastoral staff and the wider team to provide consistent support.
Encouraging pupils to recognise their strengths and achieve their potential.
We’re particularly interested in candidates with experience working with:
SEMH
SEND / Special Educational Needs
Challenging behaviour
Autism
ADHD
Trauma and emotional regulation
You could have experience as a Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant, Classroom Assistant, Youth Worker, Support Worker or in another relevant role.
Most importantly, you’ll need to be:
Calm, patient and resilient.
Confident supporting challenging behaviour.
Understanding of trauma-informed and relationship-based approaches.
Someone who believes in connection before correction.
Able to remain consistent and positive during difficult situations.
Passionate about helping young people develop independence and confidence.
A strong team player with excellent communication skills.
A full UK driving licence holder with access to your own vehicle.
🌳 23 acres of beautiful countryside and extensive outdoor facilities
🐕 School farm and animal-assisted support
🏃 Sports, Forest School and outdoor learning opportunities
🧠 On-site multidisciplinary therapy centre
🛠️ Excellent vocational and practical learning facilities
🏠 Independent living facilities for older pupils
👥 Small classes and a highly individualised approach
💙 A strong focus on relationships, regulation and emotional wellbeing
📈 Excellent opportunity to develop your SEMH and behaviour support experience
Temp-to-perm pathway from Day One
Permanent staff receive a full-time salary and are not pro-rata, despite working term time only, meaning you benefit from a full-time wage while enjoying school holidays.
Interviews taking place in early September.
September start available for the successful candidate.
Please note: Due to the school’s rural location and lack of public transport, a full UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle is essential.
If you’re looking for a rewarding role where you can make a genuine difference to young people’s lives – and you’d love the opportunity to work in a school with incredible outdoor spaces, specialist facilities and a therapeutic approach – we’d love to hear from you.
Pink Tile Education is a specialist recruitment agency dedicated to matching talented education professionals with schools where they can truly thrive. We take the time to understand both our candidates and our partner schools, ensuring the right fit for everyone involved.
Our team has extensive experience within education, particularly across SEND and SEMH settings, meaning we understand the unique challenges and rewards these roles bring.
Safeguarding Statement:
Pink Tile Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, professional references and all other safer recruitment checks in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance.
Important Notice:
In accordance with the Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations 2003, this advertisement is for the purpose of identifying suitable applicants. We reserve the right to withdraw the advert prior to the closing date should a suitable candidate be appointed.
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