Teaching Assistant

SEMH Teaching Assistant / SEN Teaching Assistant Location: Lancing, West SussexHours: Monday–Friday, 8:30am–4:00pmContract: Full-time, term-timeRole: Teaching Assistant / SEN Teaching Assistant / Learning Support AssistantDaily Rate: £95.83 – £100 Are you passionate about supporting young people with Special Educational Needs (SEND), Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs and challenging behaviour? Are you someone who can build strong relationships, remain calm in difficult situations and help young people see their own potential? We are working with a specialist SEMH school in Lancing, supporting young people aged 9–18 with a range of SEND and social, emotional and mental health needs. The school provides a highly personalised and supportive learning environment for pupils who may have struggled in mainstream education. Its approach is built around positive relationships, trust, emotional wellbeing and helping young people re-engage with learning. About the Role As a Teaching Assistant / SEN Teaching Assistant / Learning Support Assistant, you will work closely with teachers and the wider pastoral team to support pupils both academically and emotionally. You will help young people overcome barriers to learning while encouraging positive behaviour, confidence, independence and personal development. Your responsibilities will include: Supporting pupils to access their individualised learning Providing 1:1 and small-group support Supporting pupils with SEND and SEMH needs Building positive, trusting relationships with young people Supporting pupils with challenging behaviour and emotional regulation Encouraging positive behaviour and behaviour for learning Helping pupils develop confidence, resilience and independence Supporting pupils who may become dysregulated, anxious or disengaged Helping pupils communicate their needs and express themselves Working alongside teachers to adapt learning to individual needs Supporting pupils with social and communication difficulties Encouraging pupils to participate in lessons and activities Helping pupils recognise their strengths and celebrate their achievements Supporting pupils to develop life skills and prepare for adulthood The school uses a trauma-informed approach, with relationships at the heart of its work. Staff are supported to understand the individual needs and experiences behind a young person’s behaviour. The Pupils The school supports young people with a range of SEND, SEMH and behavioural needs, including: Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) Autism / ASC ADHD Attachment difficulties Early childhood trauma Communication difficulties Speech and language difficulties Challenging behaviour Learning difficulties Low attainment linked to SEND or SEMH The school supports pupils who may have struggled within traditional education and provides individualised support to help them rebuild their confidence and engagement with learning. Experience supporting young people with SEMH, challenging behaviour, Autism, ADHD, communication difficulties, trauma or attachment needs would be a real advantage. However, previous specialist school experience isn’t essential. The most important thing is having the right attitude, resilience and ability to build genuine relationships. What We’re Looking For We’re looking for a Teaching Assistant / SEN TA / Learning Support Assistant who is: Caring, patient and compassionate Calm and consistent Confident supporting challenging behaviour Resilient and able to remain calm under pressure Passionate about supporting young people Confident building positive relationships Able to set clear and consistent boundaries Positive, encouraging and proactive Able to look beyond behaviour and understand the individual Adaptable and willing to think creatively Comfortable working as part of a close-knit team Reliable and committed Interested in developing their SEND and SEMH experience Experience with SEND, SEMH, challenging behaviour, Autism, ADHD, youth work, mentoring, care, residential support or Alternative Provision is desirable but not essential. We would also consider candidates from backgrounds including: 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’ve worked with young people and have experience building relationships, supporting behaviour or helping individuals overcome barriers, your skills could be highly transferable. Personalised Education This is not a traditional mainstream classroom environment. The school provides personalised education and individual support, recognising that every pupil has different strengths, needs and barriers to learning. Students can access a range of qualifications, including Entry Level and Level 1–3 Maths and English, Functional Skills, GCSE Maths, ASDAN Short Courses and AQA Unit Awards. There is also a strong focus on preparing young people for life beyond school, with careers education, work experience, further education and employment pathways built into the wider curriculum. As a Teaching Assistant, you will therefore have the opportunity to support pupils not just with their education, but with their confidence, independence, communication and future goals. Why This SEMH Teaching Assistant Role? 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’ll have the opportunity to get to know your pupils, understand their individual needs and help them overcome barriers that may have previously prevented them from engaging with education. If you’re patient, resilient, consistent and passionate about helping young people succeed, we’d love to hear from you. Best Fit, Every Time. How to Apply If you’re interested in this SEMH Teaching Assistant / SEN Teaching Assistant / Learning Support Assistant opportunity in Lancing, please get in touch with Pink Tile Education to register and discuss the role further. The advertised daily rate of £95.83 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.