Trainee SEN Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant, Graduate Opportunity

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 highly regarded specialist SEN school in East Grinstead for a Trainee SEN Teaching Assistant to join their welcoming and supportive team.

This is an excellent opportunity for graduates, aspiring Teaching Assistants, or individuals from care, healthcare, youth work, residential care, nursery, coaching, or support work backgrounds to begin a long-term career in specialist education.

No previous school experience is required. You'll receive a comprehensive induction, full training, ongoing mentoring, and excellent opportunities for professional development and career progression.

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, build independence, and reach their full potential within 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 daily activities
• Supporting pupils with Autism, SEND, and complex needs
• Delivering sensory, communication, and life skills activities
• Encouraging confidence, independence, and social development
• Supporting emotional wellbeing and positive behaviour strategies
• Providing personal care where required
• Working collaboratively with teachers, therapists, and families to support each pupil's progress

Who This Role Would Suit

This opportunity is ideal for:

• Psychology, Sociology, Education, Childhood Studies, or Criminology 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, Nursery Practitioners, or Sports Coaches
• Anyone passionate about supporting children and young people with SEND

Why Join This School?

• Permanent, full-time opportunity
• Full training and structured induction programme
• Ongoing CPD and career progression opportunities
• Supportive multidisciplinary team with experienced SEN professionals
• Excellent pathway into specialist education and therapy-related careers
• Term-time only working pattern
• Opportunity to make a genuine difference to children's lives 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 build your skills and develop a long-term career.

Apply Today

If you're looking to start a rewarding career in SEN education and make a lasting 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, with interviews taking place ahead of the September 2026 start.

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.