Teaching Assistant

Teaching Assistant – Specialist SEND & SEMH School Location: WorthingHours: Monday–Friday, 8:30am–4:30pmContract: Full-time, term-timeRole: Teaching Assistant / Learning Support AssistantSalary: Competitive, dependent on experience Are you passionate about supporting young people who may have struggled within mainstream education? Do you have a calm, patient and nurturing approach, and want to make a genuine difference to pupils with SEND and SEMH needs? We are working with a small, specialist school in Worthing, supporting pupils aged 6–16 who have a range of additional needs, including SEMH, autism, ADHD, dyslexia, moderate learning difficulties and communication difficulties. The school places a huge emphasis on positive relationships, trust and getting to know each pupil as an individual. Many of the pupils have experienced challenges within education, so the right person will understand that building a relationship and creating a sense of safety can be just as important as academic learning. About the Role As a Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with the class teacher and wider pastoral team to support pupils both academically and emotionally. You will be part of a small class team, helping pupils to access learning while also supporting their social, emotional and personal development. Your responsibilities will include: Supporting pupils to access their individualised learning Working alongside the class teacher to deliver engaging lessons Providing 1:1 and small-group support where required Building positive, trusting relationships with pupils Supporting pupils with SEMH and behavioural needs Helping pupils develop confidence, resilience and independence Supporting communication and social development Encouraging pupils to engage with learning and try new things Helping pupils develop important life skills Supporting pupils both inside and outside of the classroom Taking part in enrichment activities and off-site learning opportunities Using positive behaviour strategies and helping pupils regulate their emotions Working as part of a supportive and close-knit team Classes are deliberately small, generally consisting of around 6–9 pupils, with a teacher and Teaching Assistant linked to each class. The Pupils The school supports pupils with a range of additional needs, including: Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs (SEMH) Autism ADHD Dyslexia Moderate Learning Difficulties Communication difficulties Social and emotional difficulties Trauma and attachment needs Some pupils may have experienced exclusion, isolation or significant difficulties within previous educational settings. The school takes a nurturing and individualised approach, focusing on developing positive relationships and helping pupils rebuild their confidence in education. Experience supporting children or young people with SEMH, challenging behaviour, autism, communication difficulties or trauma would be a real advantage. You don’t need to have experience with every area of SEND, however. The school is looking for someone who is patient, consistent, resilient and genuinely wants to understand the young person behind the behaviour. Life Skills & Wider Development This role is about much more than simply supporting pupils in lessons. The school has a strong focus on developing life skills and independence, including self-care and mental health, home skills, personal safety, finance, travel and work skills. Pupils also take part in practical activities and learning within the local community. You could therefore find yourself supporting pupils with everything from classroom learning and reading through to practical activities, life skills, outdoor learning and community-based experiences. What We’re Looking For We’re looking for someone who is: Caring, patient and compassionate Passionate about working with young people Calm and consistent when faced with challenging behaviour Confident building relationships with pupils who may initially be reluctant to engage Able to see beyond behaviour and understand individual needs Positive, encouraging and proactive Resilient and able to remain calm under pressure 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 SEMH, challenging behaviour, autism, communication difficulties, trauma or attachment is desirable but not essential. We would also consider candidates who have experience in youth work, care, residential settings, support work, sports coaching, mentoring or other roles where building positive relationships with young people has been a key part of the job. Why This Role? This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who wants to work in a small, supportive specialist setting where relationships really matter. You’ll have the opportunity to get to know your pupils properly, understand what makes them tick and help them develop the confidence and skills they need to move forward. The school follows a flexible, personalised curriculum, adapting learning to pupils’ individual needs and abilities while also preparing them for life beyond school. If you’re looking for a role where you can genuinely make a difference, build meaningful relationships and help young people who haven’t always found education easy, we’d love to hear from you. Best Fit, Every Time. How to Apply If you’re interested in this 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 the Best Fit, Every Time. All candidates are subject to our usual safeguarding and compliance checks, including an enhanced DBS check and references.