Hours: Monday to Friday | 8:00am – 3:30pm (Term Time Only)
Pay: £14.50 per hour through Pink Tile Education
Contract: Full-Time | Temp-to-Perm Opportunities Available
Start Date: September 2026
Are you an experienced Teaching Assistant looking for a rewarding opportunity supporting young people with SEND, SEMH, mental health needs and behaviour challenges?
Do you have experience working with children or young people and a genuine passion for supporting individuals who need additional emotional, behavioural or educational support?
We are looking for a resilient and compassionate Teaching Assistant to join a specialist SEND school near Chichester. This role is ideal for someone who has a background working in a school, education setting, youth work, residential care or another role supporting young people, and who is passionate about developing their career within SEND and mental health support.
You do not need to have previously worked in a specialist SEND school, but you must have experience working with young people and demonstrate the patience, resilience and commitment required to support students with additional needs.
Due to the rural location of the school, you must be a driver with access to your own vehicle.
This is an opportunity for a passionate Teaching Assistant to make a genuine difference in the lives of young people who need consistency, encouragement and positive adult support. You will work closely with teachers and the wider support team to help students develop confidence, emotional regulation and the skills needed to succeed.
This specialist SEND school near Chichester provides education and therapeutic support for boys aged 7-16 who require additional support due to Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs and other barriers to learning.
The school provides a nurturing and structured environment for students who may have experienced difficulties within previous educational settings. The focus is on creating strong relationships, understanding individual needs and helping each young person progress academically, socially and emotionally.
Students may have:
Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.
Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC).
ADHD.
Speech and Language difficulties.
Emotional regulation difficulties.
Behaviour that challenges.
Previous negative experiences of education.
The school follows a therapeutic approach, combining education and specialist support to help students:
Develop emotional regulation strategies.
Improve communication skills.
Build confidence and self-esteem.
Develop positive relationships.
Re-engage with learning.
Make progress towards their individual goals.
Students also benefit from a wide range of enrichment activities, including swimming, kayaking, theatre trips, camping experiences and outdoor learning opportunities, helping them develop confidence, resilience and new interests.
As a Teaching Assistant, you will:
Support students aged 7-16 throughout the school day.
Work alongside teachers to support learning and engagement.
Provide classroom support to students with SEND, SEMH and additional needs.
Build positive, trusting relationships with students.
Act as a consistent and positive role model.
Support students with emotional regulation and behaviour management.
Use effective de-escalation strategies when students become overwhelmed or dysregulated.
Support students who may display challenging behaviour.
Encourage independence, confidence and resilience.
Deliver 1:1 and small group support where required.
Adapt support strategies to meet individual student needs.
Encourage participation in lessons and enrichment activities.
Work collaboratively with teachers, therapists and support staff.
Follow individual behaviour plans and safeguarding procedures.
Help create a safe, structured and supportive learning environment.
To be considered for this Teaching Assistant role in Chichester, you must have:
A full UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle due to the rural location.
Experience working with children or young people.
A background in one of the following:
Schools or education settings.
Youth work.
Residential care.
Childcare.
Mentoring or support work.
Community-based roles supporting young people.
A genuine passion for supporting young people with:
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.
Mental health challenges.
Behaviour support needs.
The ability to build positive relationships with young people.
A calm, patient and resilient approach.
The confidence to support and de-escalate challenging situations.
Strong communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team.
Previous experience as a Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant or Behaviour Support Assistant.
Experience within a specialist school, alternative provision or SEMH setting.
Team Teach, MAPA or positive behaviour management training.
Experience supporting young people with complex needs.
£14.50 per hour whilst working through Pink Tile Education.
Full-time hours: 8:00am – 3:30pm, Monday-Friday.
Term-time only working.
A September 2026 start.
Temp-to-perm opportunities, giving both you and the school the opportunity to ensure it’s the right long-term fit before a permanent position is offered.
Ongoing support from an experienced education recruitment team.
The opportunity to develop your career within specialist education.
The chance to make a meaningful difference every day.
If you’re interested in this Teaching Assistant position near Chichester, we’d love to hear from you.
Please apply with your most up-to-date CV, ensuring it clearly highlights your relevant experience working with children or young people, along with any SEND, SEMH, mental health or behaviour support experience.
Every application will be personally reviewed. If your skills and experience match what the school is looking for, you will be invited to an interview to discuss the role in more detail.
Successful candidates will then be guided through Pink Tile Education’s safeguarding, compliance and reference checks before beginning the role in September on a temp-to-perm placement. Following a successful probationary period, you will have the opportunity to become a permanent member of the school’s team.
To successfully apply for this role, you must be eligible to work in the UK and meet the requirements of the Department for Education’s Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance.
This includes obtaining satisfactory references, an enhanced DBS certificate registered on the Update Service (or willingness to apply for one), and completing all safeguarding and compliance checks.
Pink Tile Education is a specialist education recruitment agency passionate about matching exceptional people with exceptional schools across Sussex. We take the time to understand both our candidates and our partner schools, ensuring every placement is the right fit.
Working through Pink Tile Education means you’ll receive:
A dedicated consultant who will support you throughout your recruitment journey.
Honest advice and regular communication.
Weekly pay whilst working on supply.
Access to long-term, temp-to-perm and permanent opportunities across Sussex.
Ongoing support before, during and after your placement.
A friendly, knowledgeable team committed to helping you succeed.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your career as a Teaching Assistant in Chichester, and have experience supporting young people with a passion for SEND, SEMH, mental health or behaviour support, we’d love to hear from you.
Apply today with your up-to-date CV, and if your experience matches what we’re looking for, I’ll be in touch to arrange an interview.
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