Teaching Assistant

Trainee SEN Teaching Assistant

Location: East Grinstead, West Sussex
Salary: £24,303 per annum
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:45am - 5:00pm, Term Time Only
Contract: Full-Time, Permanent
Start Date: September 2026

Kick-start Your Career in SEN Education - Full Training Provided

Are you looking for a rewarding career supporting children and young people with additional needs?

NextGen Teachers are recruiting on behalf of a specialist SEN school in East Grinstead for a Trainee SEN Teaching Assistant to join their dedicated and supportive team.

This is a fantastic opportunity for graduates, aspiring Teaching Assistants, or individuals with experience in care, healthcare, youth work, residential care, nursery settings, or sports coaching who are looking to build a long-term career within specialist education.

No previous school experience is required. Full training, ongoing mentoring, and excellent career progression are provided from day one.

Please note: Due to the rural location of the school, applicants must hold a full UK driving licence and have access to their own vehicle.

The Role

As a Trainee SEN Teaching Assistant, you'll work alongside experienced teachers, therapists and specialist support staff to help pupils access learning, develop communication skills and build confidence in a safe, nurturing environment.

The school supports children and young people with:

• Autism (ASC/ASD)
• Profound & Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD)
• Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD)
• Communication and interaction needs
• Sensory and physical needs
• Complex learning difficulties

Key Responsibilities

• Supporting pupils on a 1:1 basis and in small groups
• Assisting with classroom learning and engagement
• Supporting pupils with Autism, SEND and complex needs
• Delivering sensory and communication-based activities
• Encouraging independence, confidence and social development
• Supporting emotional wellbeing and positive behaviour strategies
• Providing personal care where required
• Working collaboratively with teachers, therapists and families

Who This Role Would Suit

This opportunity is ideal for:

• Psychology, Sociology, Education or Childhood Studies graduates
• Aspiring SEN Teaching Assistants or Learning Support Assistants
• Future Teachers, Educational Psychologists, Occupational Therapists or Speech & Language Therapists
• Support Workers, Care Assistants, Residential Support Workers, Healthcare Assistants, Youth Workers or Sports Coaches
• Anyone passionate about supporting children and young people with SEND

The Ideal Candidate

We're looking for someone who is:

• Caring, patient and resilient
• Passionate about supporting children with additional needs
• A strong communicator and team player
• Willing to learn and develop new skills
• Looking to build a long-term career within SEN education

Why Join This School?

• Permanent, full-time opportunity
• Full training and structured induction programme
• Ongoing CPD and career development opportunities
• Supportive and experienced multidisciplinary team
• Excellent route into specialist education
• Term-time only working pattern
• Opportunity to make a genuine difference every day

Why Work with NextGen Teachers?

At NextGen Teachers, we specialise in placing education professionals into rewarding roles across West Sussex and Surrey. We'll support you throughout the recruitment process, provide interview guidance, and help you secure a role where you can develop your skills and build a long-term career.

Apply Now

If you're looking to start a rewarding career in SEN education and want to make a real difference to the lives of children and young people, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today to be considered for this exciting Trainee SEN Teaching Assistant opportunity in East Grinstead. Early applications are encouraged as interviews are taking place throughout the summer.

Huntress does not discriminate on the grounds of age, race, gender, disability, creed or sexual orientation and complies with all relevant UK legislation. PLEASE NOTE! You should make yourself aware of how immigration laws apply to your situation before applying for any jobs. We are acting as a Recruitment Business in relation to this role.