Teaching Assistant – SEMH All Boys School

Location: Lewes and Heathfield – (must be a driver, due to location)
Position: Full-Time, Part time, Temp to permanent
Start Date: Immediate or September 
Salary: Competitive, depending on experience

Are you passionate about supporting young people with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs? Do you want to make a real difference in the lives of boys facing unique challenges, and help them achieve their potential? If so, we have the perfect opportunity for you!

About the School: Our school is a supportive and inclusive SEMH school dedicated to nurturing the academic, social, and emotional development of boys with a range of needs. We pride ourselves on creating a safe, engaging, and compassionate environment where students are encouraged to grow, build resilience, and make progress both in and outside of the classroom.

The Role: As a Teaching Assistant at our SEMH school, you will work directly with boys who require additional support to access their education. You will play a key role in providing tailored assistance, promoting emotional well-being, and helping students manage their behaviour in a positive way. This is a challenging but incredibly rewarding role, where you can make a meaningful difference in the lives of the young people you support.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide 1:1 and small group support to students with SEMH needs, ensuring they can engage with the curriculum.

• Assist in the development of individualised learning plans, focusing on the social, emotional, and academic needs of each student.

• Support students in managing emotions, building resilience, and developing positive coping strategies.

• Promote positive behaviour, using de-escalation techniques when necessary.

• Work closely with the class teacher and other staff to create a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment.

• Encourage and motivate students to reach their potential, both academically and socially.

What We’re Looking For:

• Experience in working with students with SEMH needs or challenging behaviour (either in a school or other relevant setting).

• Strong communication skills and the ability to build rapport with students.

• Patience, empathy, and a commitment to supporting young people through their challenges.

• The ability to remain calm and professional, even in difficult situations.

• A proactive, solution-focused approach to supporting students’ learning and emotional development.

• A genuine passion for making a difference in the lives of young people.

What We Offer:

• A rewarding and fulfilling role where you can truly make a difference.

• The chance to work in a supportive, team-oriented environment.

• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities to enhance your skills.

• The opportunity to be part of a dedicated and caring team committed to improving the lives of young people.

• A competitive salary and benefits package.

Why Join Us? This is more than just a job – it’s an opportunity to have a lasting impact on the lives of young people who need the most support. You will witness firsthand the progress and growth of students, not just academically, but socially and emotionally. Every day offers new challenges, but also incredible rewards as you help guide these young individuals towards brighter futures.

If you’re ready to take on a challenging yet rewarding role, where your efforts truly matter, we’d love to hear from you.

Important Notice

To apply for this position, you must have the right to work in the UK or hold a valid work visa. At Pink Tile Education, safeguarding, quality and integrity are at the heart of what we do. We’re committed to protecting the welfare of children and young people, and all applicants must:

• Provide references for pre-employment checks;
• Hold a Childrens (or Childrens and Adults) Workforce Enhanced DBS on the update service, or be willing to obtain one.

Pay is inclusive of 12.07% PAYE holiday pay. We aim to respond to all applications within three working days. If you haven’t heard from us, please check your emails and missed calls. Unfortunately, due to volume, we may not be able to respond individually if your application is unsuccessful.