Location: Haywards Heath, West Sussex
Hours: Full-time, Monday–Friday, term-time 8:30 – 16:30
Role: Teaching Assistant / SEN Teaching Assistant / Learning Support Assistant
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
Are you passionate about supporting young people with Special Educational Needs (SEND) and Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs?
Are you patient, resilient and confident supporting children and young people who may display challenging behaviour?
We are working with a specialist independent school in Bolney, West Sussex, supporting young people aged 9–18 with a range of SEND and SEMH needs.
This is a fantastic opportunity for a Teaching Assistant, SEN Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant or Behaviour Support Worker who wants to make a genuine difference to young people’s lives.
As a Teaching Assistant / SEN Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with teachers and the wider school team to support pupils both academically and pastorally.
The school has small class sizes, allowing staff to build strong relationships with pupils and provide highly personalised support.
Your responsibilities will include:
Supporting pupils to access their learning and the curriculum
Working alongside teachers within small classes
Providing 1:1 and small-group support where required
Supporting pupils with SEND and SEMH needs
Helping pupils develop their language, communication and vocabulary
Supporting pupils with challenging behaviour and emotional regulation
Helping pupils develop strategies to self-regulate
Encouraging positive behaviour and behaviour for learning
Building positive, trusting relationships with young people
Supporting pupils to develop confidence, independence and self-help skills
Helping pupils recognise and celebrate their achievements
Adapting your approach to meet individual needs
Working closely with teaching, care and SEND staff
Supporting pupils to develop the skills they need for life beyond school
The school supports young people with a range of Special Educational Needs and SEMH needs, including:
Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH)
Autism / ASC
ADHD / ADD
Dyslexia and Specific Learning Difficulties
Moderate Learning Difficulties
Speech, Language and Communication Needs
Communication difficulties
Emotional and behavioural needs
Trauma and attachment needs
Sensory regulation difficulties
The school provides integrated education, care and therapeutic support, with pupils accessing specialist support according to their individual EHCP and needs.
Experience supporting young people with challenging behaviour, SEMH, Autism, ADHD, communication difficulties, trauma or attachment would be a real advantage.
However, experience isn’t everything. The school is looking for someone who is patient, caring, resilient and genuinely wants to help young people succeed.
We’re looking for a Teaching Assistant / SEN TA / Learning Support Assistant who is:
Caring, patient and compassionate
Calm and consistent
Resilient when supporting challenging behaviour
Confident building positive relationships with young people
Able to set clear and appropriate boundaries
Positive, encouraging and proactive
Adaptable and willing to think creatively
Comfortable supporting pupils with additional needs
Able to remain calm in difficult or emotionally challenging situations
Reliable and committed
A strong team player
Passionate about supporting young people to reach their potential
Experience within SEND, SEMH, Alternative Provision, specialist education, residential care, youth work or behaviour support is desirable but not essential.
We would also consider candidates from backgrounds such as:
Teaching Assistant
SEN Teaching Assistant
Learning Support Assistant
Behaviour Mentor
SEMH Support Worker
Youth Worker
Residential Support Worker
Care Worker
Sports Coach
Mentor
Support Worker
If you have experience working with young people and are confident building relationships, managing challenging situations and encouraging positive behaviour, your experience could be highly transferable.
One of the key benefits of this setting is the small class environment, with a maximum of eight pupils per class. This gives staff the opportunity to really get to know the young people they support and understand what works for each individual.
The school’s SEND team also works closely with pupils to provide additional learning support, including specialist teaching, Speech and Language Therapy and personalised learning strategies.
You’ll therefore have the opportunity to develop your understanding of SEND, SEMH, communication needs and positive behaviour support while working alongside experienced professionals.
This is a fantastic opportunity for a Teaching Assistant, SEN TA, Learning Support Assistant or Behaviour Mentor who wants to work somewhere where relationships genuinely matter.
You will have the opportunity to support young people academically, emotionally and socially, helping them develop the confidence, independence and skills they need for their future.
If you’re patient, resilient, caring and passionate about helping young people overcome barriers to learning, we’d love to hear from you.
Best Fit, Every Time.
If you’re interested in this SEMH Teaching Assistant / SEN Teaching Assistant / Learning Support Assistant opportunity, please get in touch with Pink Tile Education to register and discuss the role further.
The advertised daily rate is inclusive of 12.07% PAYE holiday pay.
We work closely with our schools and candidates to ensure Best Fit, Every Time.
All candidates are subject to our usual safeguarding and compliance checks, including an enhanced DBS check and references.
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