SEMH Teaching Assistant - Behaviour Support, Specialist SEN School

Location: East Grinstead, West Sussex
Salary: £22,746-£23,980 per annum, depending on qualifications and experience
Contract: 12-week temp-to-perm, Full-time, Term time only (36 weeks)
Hours: Monday-Friday
Start Date: ASAP / September 2026

Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle is essential due to the school's rural location.

Are you a Teaching Assistant, Behaviour Support Worker, Youth Worker, Support Worker or Psychology graduate looking for a rewarding role supporting young people with SEMH, SEND and behavioural needs?

NextGen Teachers are working with a specialist SEN school in East Grinstead looking for caring, resilient and committed Teaching Assistants to join their team.

The school supports young people across Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4, including pupils with SEMH, Autism (ASC), communication difficulties and challenging behaviour.

With small classes of typically 5-6 pupils, you'll have the opportunity to build strong relationships and provide personalised support.

The Role

As an SEMH Teaching Assistant, you'll support students both in and outside the classroom, helping them manage emotions, develop confidence and re-engage with education.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing 1:1 and small-group support
• Supporting students with SEMH, SEND, Autism and behavioural needs
• Supporting emotional regulation and positive behaviour
• Helping students manage anxiety and barriers to learning
• Building consistent, positive relationships with young people
• Supporting pupils who may display challenging behaviour
• Helping create a calm, structured and safe learning environment
• Encouraging confidence, resilience and independence
• Supporting students across different subjects and activities
• Working closely with teachers, pastoral staff and therapists

Who We're Looking For

This role could suit candidates from a range of backgrounds, including:

• Teaching Assistant / SEN Teaching Assistant
• Behaviour Support Worker
• Learning Support Assistant / LSA
• Youth Worker
• Support Worker
• Care Worker
• Residential Support Worker
• Pastoral Worker
• Psychology graduate
• Candidates with experience in mental health or children's services

We're looking for someone who is:

• Calm, patient and resilient
• Emotionally intelligent and understanding
• Confident supporting challenging behaviour
• Able to build trust with vulnerable young people
• A strong communicator and team player
• Passionate about supporting children and young people
• Interested in developing a career in specialist education

A Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification is desirable but not essential.

Why Apply?

• £22,746-£23,980 per annum
• 12-week temp-to-perm opportunity
• Full-time, term time only - 36 weeks per year
• Small class sizes of around 5-6 pupils
• High levels of staff support
• Funded Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification pathway
• Ongoing training and CPD
• Supportive leadership team
• Therapeutic and specialist school environment
• Strong focus on staff wellbeing
• Free school meals
• Pension and healthcare-related benefits
• Excellent opportunities for career progression
• Opportunity to gain specialist SEMH, SEND and behaviour support experience

Important - Travel Requirements

Due to the school's rural location in East Grinstead, a full UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle is essential.

Please consider your travel arrangements before applying.

Apply Today

If you're looking for an SEMH Teaching Assistant, SEN Teaching Assistant or Behaviour Support role and have experience supporting young people through education, care, youth work, mental health or support work, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today to be considered for this Teaching Assistant - SEMH / Behaviour Support opportunity in East Grinstead.

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