Trainee SEN Teaching Assistant

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

Looking to Start a Career in SEN Education?

Are you a Psychology graduate, Care Assistant, Support Worker or someone with a genuine passion for helping others?

Perhaps you've worked in care, healthcare, residential settings, youth work, a nursery or support environment and you're now looking for a career where you can make a real difference.

You don't need previous experience working in a school.

A specialist SEN school in East Grinstead is looking for a Trainee SEN Teaching Assistant to join their supportive team. You'll receive full training, ongoing mentoring and hands-on experience, making this an excellent opportunity to build a long-term career in Special Educational Needs.

Your Experience Could Transfer Perfectly

You may already have many of the skills needed for this role if you've worked as a:

• Care Assistant or Support Worker
• Healthcare Assistant
• Residential Support Worker
• Youth Worker
• Children's Support Worker
• Nursery Practitioner
• Psychology Graduate
• Education or Childhood Studies Graduate
• Sports Coach or Activity Leader
• Teaching Assistant or Learning Support Assistant

Experience supporting people with autism, learning difficulties, complex needs, physical disabilities, communication needs or emotional/behavioural needs would be particularly valuable, but full training is provided.

Your ability to be patient, compassionate, observant and encouraging can be just as important as previous classroom experience.

No previous SEN or school experience is required.

What Will You Be Doing?

You'll work alongside experienced teachers, therapists and specialist support staff to help children and young people learn, communicate, develop independence and feel confident in their environment.

Your day could include:

• Providing 1:1 and small-group support
• Helping pupils engage with classroom activities
• Supporting children with Autism, PMLD, SLD and complex learning needs
• Taking part in sensory, communication and therapeutic activities
• Helping pupils develop confidence, independence and social skills
• Supporting emotional wellbeing and positive behaviour
• Providing personal care when required
• Building positive and trusting relationships with pupils
• Working closely with teachers, therapists and other professionals

Every day will be different, and you'll be supported as you develop your skills and confidence.

Who Would Be a Great Fit?

This role could be ideal if you're:

A Psychology Graduate looking to gain valuable hands-on experience before progressing into education, educational psychology, therapy or another child-focused career.

Currently working in Care or Healthcare and looking to transfer your existing skills into a rewarding education environment.

A Support Worker or Residential Worker with experience supporting vulnerable children, young people or adults.

An aspiring Teaching Assistant or Teacher who wants to start a career in specialist education.

Someone with experience in childcare, youth work, sports or community settings who enjoys building relationships and helping others achieve their potential.

Most importantly, we're looking for someone who is caring, patient, resilient and genuinely passionate about supporting children and young people.

What You'll Get

• £24,303 annual salary
• Permanent, full-time position
• Term-time only working
• Full training and comprehensive induction
• Ongoing mentoring and support
• Regular CPD and professional development
• Experience working alongside teachers and specialist therapists
• Excellent opportunity to build a career in SEN education
• Supportive and experienced team
• A rewarding role where you can make a genuine difference every day

Important Requirement

Due to the rural location of the school, you must hold a full UK driving licence and have access to your own vehicle.

Why SEN?

Working in specialist education can be an incredibly rewarding career. You'll have the opportunity to develop specialist knowledge around Autism, learning difficulties, communication, sensory needs and complex SEND, while building strong relationships with pupils and seeing their progress first-hand.

Whether you're coming from care, psychology, support work, childcare or another people-focused background, this could be the perfect opportunity to take the next step in your career.

Apply Today

You don't need to have worked in a school before - we want to hear from people with the right attitude, values and transferable experience.

If you're caring, enthusiastic and ready to start a career supporting children and young people with SEND, apply today to be considered for this Trainee SEN Teaching Assistant role in East Grinstead.

Interviews are taking place throughout the recruitment process, so early applications are encouraged.

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.