SEN- Teaching Assistant

Posting date:	06 June 2025
Hours:	Full time
Closing date:	13 June 2025
Location:	Billingshurst, West Sussex, RH14 1AA
Company:	Randstad Education
Job type:	Permanent
Job reference:	AV-06061_1749216537

Summary

Join Our Brand New SEND Secondary School as a Teaching Assistant!

Are you passionate about supporting neurodivergent young people to thrive in a nurturing and adapted educational environment? Do you want to be part of a team building a new school culture from the ground up?

We're thrilled to be opening a brand new SEND Secondary School in 2025, catering to neurodivergent young people aged 11-16. Most of our students will be coming to us from mainstream education, seeking an adapted National Curriculum delivered in small classes with a strong focus on meeting their sensory needs and supporting their emotional wellbeing. We're committed to providing a calm, safe, and nurturing environment for our equally mixed cohort of girls and boys.

This is an exceptional career opportunity for an enthusiastic Teaching Assistant to contribute to a pioneering school model and make a significant impact on young lives.

The Role

As a Teaching Assistant, you'll be integral to our students' success and wellbeing. Your role will involve:

• Establishing strong relationships with students, prioritising their wellbeing above all else.
• Proactively supporting learning in small classes, helping to personalise each young person's educational journey.
• Delivering integrated therapy strategies and interventions guided by our in-house clinical team (Clinical Psychologist, OT, SaLT) and supported by the SENCO.
• Being involved in every aspect of school life for each student.
• Giving regular feedback to parents and other professionals.
• Supporting our enrichment curriculum, which includes outdoor activities, sports (including swimming), visits, and community projects. Your enthusiasm for these activities, alongside class-based learning, is highly valued.

Duties will vary, and you'll be expected to contribute to the overall aims of our new school when required.

What We're Looking For:

We're seeking resourceful, resilient, and growth-minded individuals with a strong interest in therapeutic approaches.

Essential Skills & Qualifications:

• GCSE Maths and English Language (minimum Grade 4 or equivalent).
• A good level of written and verbal English and general education, along with IT skills.
• Empathy and resilience to work with young people who may experience high anxiety, self-harming behaviours, ARFID, disordered eating, and a range of mental health difficulties.
• Commitment to becoming a neuro-informed and neuro-affirmative practitioner, with a genuine belief in this approach and continuous engagement in learning.
• Outstanding pastoral and safeguarding practice.
• Either effective experience working with young people, especially those with SEND, OR clear potential to learn quickly.

Desirable Skills & Qualifications:

• A Psychology qualification or a genuine interest in psychology.
• Successful experience supporting neurodivergent students in a teaching role.
• Working towards an L2 award in support work in schools or equivalent.

What We Offer:

This is a unique career opportunity to make your mark on our growing services with high expectations but equally high rewards! Our priority is appointing a person with the right mindset, potential, and pastoral approach.

• Small classes allowing you to establish strong, meaningful relationships with students.
• Dedicated time, support, and training to prioritise safeguarding, pastoral care, and overall student wellbeing.
• The chance to work with and learn from an onsite clinical team (Clinical Psychologist, OT, SaLT), with opportunities to be involved in research supporting the neurodivergent community.
• A rare opportunity to be part of a team creating a new school and culture that will change the lives of many young people and their families.
• Comprehensive Training and Development opportunities to enhance your skills and further your career.
• Competitive Pay and Reward package, including enhanced annual leave, company sick pay, enhanced pension scheme, and life assurance. We benchmark our pay annually.
• Save money with Perkbox! Access deals and discounts on weekly food bills, phone plans, internet, eating out, gym memberships, insurance, and more. Includes Cycle to Work and Car Schemes.
• UK Health Cash Plan covering day-to-day healthcare expenses for you and your children (with partner upgrade option).
• Employee Assistance Programme offering 24/7 online tools, information, and freephone counselling for your health and wellbeing.
• Refer a friend for £1,000 (*terms apply).

If you're excited by the prospect of building a truly impactful educational environment and have the empathy and resilience to make a real difference, we encourage you to apply!