Teaching Assistant – Secondary SEND / SEMH School

Location: Croydon, South London
Salary: £110 – £120 per day
Hours: 8:30am – 3:30pm, Monday to Friday
Contract: Temporary to Permanent
Job Type: Full-time

Are you an experienced Teaching Assistant looking for a rewarding opportunity within a secondary school supporting pupils with SEND and SEMH needs in Croydon?

Do you have experience working with secondary-aged pupils, supporting young people with Special Educational Needs, Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs, challenging behaviour or additional needs?

Pink Tile Education are currently recruiting for a Teaching Assistant to join a supportive secondary school in Croydon. The school provides a structured, nurturing and inclusive environment for pupils with a range of SEND and SEMH needs.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is passionate about supporting young people, committed to helping pupils overcome barriers to learning and looking to develop their experience within a secondary SEND/SEMH setting.

This is a temporary-to-permanent Teaching Assistant position, offering the opportunity to secure a permanent role following a successful temporary placement.

Teaching Assistant – The Role

As a Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with teachers and support staff to provide academic, behavioural, social and pastoral support to secondary-aged pupils.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting pupils with Special Educational Needs (SEND) and Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.
• Providing one-to-one and small-group support across the secondary curriculum.
• Supporting pupils with their academic progress and engagement in lessons.
• Working alongside subject teachers to help pupils access the curriculum.
• Building positive, respectful and trusting relationships with young people.
• Supporting pupils who may display challenging behaviour.
• Using positive behaviour strategies to help pupils manage their emotions and behaviour.
• Supporting pupils with emotional regulation and developing their independence.
• Helping pupils overcome barriers to learning and improve their confidence.
• Supporting the implementation of individual education, behaviour and support plans.
• Encouraging pupils to engage positively with their education.
• Promoting positive behaviour and high expectations.
• Supporting pupils during lessons, break times, lunchtimes and school activities.
• Working closely with teachers, SENCOs, pastoral teams, safeguarding staff and other professionals.
• Providing encouragement and reassurance to pupils who may struggle with school, learning or social situations.

Teaching Assistant – Requirements

Previous experience working with secondary-aged children or young people is highly desirable.

We would particularly welcome applications from candidates with experience in:

• SEND / SEN
• SEMH
• Secondary schools
• Special schools
• Supporting young people with challenging behaviour
• Behaviour support
• Youth work
• Working with vulnerable young people
• Mainstream secondary schools
• Alternative provision
• Pupil referral units (PRUs)
• Pastoral support
• Mentoring
• Residential or care settings
• Sports coaching or youth programmes
• One-to-one support
• Supporting pupils with additional needs

Previous experience within a SEND or SEMH secondary school is desirable but not essential. We are also interested in candidates with transferable experience working with young people who demonstrate the right attitude, resilience and commitment.

Experience working with teenagers, adolescents or young people displaying challenging behaviour would be particularly advantageous.

The Ideal Teaching Assistant

We are looking for a Teaching Assistant who is:

• Approachable and able to build positive relationships with teenagers and young people.
• Reliable, punctual and committed to providing consistent support.
• Hard-working and willing to go the extra mile for pupils.
• Patient, calm and understanding.
• Resilient when dealing with challenging behaviour and difficult situations.
• Confident setting appropriate boundaries with secondary-aged pupils.
• Able to remain calm and professional under pressure.
• Caring, empathetic and supportive.
• Positive and enthusiastic.
• Adaptable and able to respond to individual pupil needs.
• A strong team player who can work effectively alongside teachers and pastoral staff.
• Passionate about helping young people overcome barriers and achieve their potential.

Why Work in a Secondary SEND / SEMH School?

Working as a Teaching Assistant within a secondary SEND/SEMH setting can be incredibly rewarding. You will have the opportunity to support young people through an important stage of their education, helping them develop academically, socially and emotionally.

You will play an important role in helping pupils develop confidence, independence, emotional regulation, positive behaviour and essential life skills, while supporting them to achieve their educational potential.

This role would be particularly suited to someone looking to develop a career in SEND, SEMH, secondary teaching, education, pastoral support, youth work, behaviour support or special educational needs.

Why Work With Pink Tile Education?

At Pink Tile Education, we are 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.

Pink Tile Education, our schools and candidates all share the expectation of “Best Fit, Every Time”. Our job is to ensure that every candidate we place has a positive impact on the team of their new employers.

How to Apply

If you are passionate about education and eager to make a difference in the lives of young people, we would love to hear from you. Apply below.

Looking for a different area or start date? Register with Pink Tile Education to be the first to hear about new opportunities in your area.

Pay & Holiday Pay

The pay stated is inclusive of the additional 12.07% PAYE holiday pay.

Safeguarding Statement

Pink Tile Education is fully 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.

Successful applicants will be required to undertake various background checks, including obtaining a DBS certificate if they do not already hold a valid certificate registered on the DBS Update Service.

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.