Teaching Assistant (SEMH / Behaviour Support) - Specialist SEN School

Location: West Sussex (near Crawley / East Grinstead)
Salary: £22,746 - £23,980 per annum (dependent on qualifications and experience)
Contract: Full-Time | Term Time Only (36 weeks per year)
Hours: Monday to Friday
Start Date: ASAP / Flexible Start Available

Looking for a role where relationships come first and every day makes a difference?

We are recruiting a Teaching Assistant (SEMH / Behaviour Support) to join a specialist SEN school supporting young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, Autism, communication difficulties, and associated behavioural challenges.

This is an excellent opportunity for Teaching Assistants, Behaviour Mentors, Support Workers, Care Workers, Youth Workers, and Psychology graduates who are passionate about helping vulnerable young people overcome barriers to education and achieve positive outcomes.

Both temp-to-perm and permanent opportunities are available.

Please note: Due to the school's location, a full UK driving licence is essential.

The Role

This is far more than a classroom support position.

You will become a key adult in the lives of young people who may have experienced challenges in education, helping them build trust, develop emotional resilience, and re-engage with learning.

Working within small classes of typically 5-6 pupils, you will support students across Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 in a highly nurturing and therapeutic environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Supporting students with SEMH, SEND, Autism, and communication needs
• Providing 1:1 and small group support both in and out of the classroom
• Helping students regulate emotions and develop positive coping strategies
• Supporting behaviour through relationship-led and restorative approaches
• Building trust and maintaining consistent professional boundaries
• Encouraging engagement, confidence, independence, and self-esteem
• Supporting students who may present with anxiety, dysregulation, or challenging behaviour
• Working closely with teachers, pastoral teams, therapists, and families
• Contributing to a safe, calm, and structured learning environment

Who We're Looking For

This role would suit candidates from backgrounds such as:

• Teaching Assistant or Learning Support Assistant
• Behaviour Mentor or Pastoral Support
• Youth Work or Community Support
• Residential Care or Support Work
• Mental Health Support
• Psychology or Criminology Graduate pathways

You will be:

• Calm, patient, and emotionally resilient
• Confident managing behaviour positively and consistently
• Skilled at building strong relationships with young people
• Empathetic, professional, and adaptable
• Passionate about supporting students with SEMH needs
• Committed to helping young people achieve success both in and beyond education

What's On Offer?

• Competitive salary based on qualifications and experience
• Small class sizes with high levels of staffing and support
• Temp-to-perm and direct permanent opportunities available
• Funded Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification pathway
• Comprehensive SEMH and behaviour-focused training
• Free school meals
• Pension and healthcare-related benefits
• Strong wellbeing culture and supportive leadership team
• Excellent long-term career progression opportunities

Apply Now

If you're looking for a rewarding role where you can genuinely impact the lives of young people with SEMH needs, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today to be considered for this specialist Teaching Assistant opportunity in West Sussex.

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