Trainee SEN Teaching Assistant - Start Your Career in SEND

East Grinstead, West Sussex | £24,303 per annum | Monday-Friday, 8:45am-5:00pm | Permanent, Term Time Only

Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle essential

Ready for a Career That Makes a Difference?

You might be working in care, healthcare, childcare, youth work or support. You might be a Psychology graduate looking for practical experience. Or perhaps you're simply looking for a career where the work you do has a genuine impact on other people's lives.

Whatever your background, this could be your opportunity to start a career in specialist education.

A specialist SEN school in East Grinstead is looking for a Trainee SEN Teaching Assistant to join their team. You don't need previous experience working in a school - you'll receive full training, mentoring and hands-on experience from day one.

Your experience could already be a great fit

The school is particularly interested in people who have worked in:

• Care or healthcare
• Support or residential work
• Children's services
• Nurseries or childcare
• Youth work
• Psychology or education
• Sports and activity settings
• Teaching Assistant or Learning Support roles

You may already have experience supporting people with Autism, learning difficulties, physical disabilities, communication needs or complex needs, but this isn't essential.

What matters most is that you're patient, compassionate, observant and committed to helping others develop.

What will you actually be doing?

You'll work as part of a specialist team supporting children and young people with a range of complex SEND needs.

Your day could involve:

• Supporting pupils 1:1 and in small groups
• Helping children access lessons and activities
• Supporting pupils with Autism, PMLD, SLD and complex learning needs
• Getting involved in sensory, communication and therapeutic activities
• Encouraging independence, confidence and social development
• Supporting emotional wellbeing and positive behaviour
• Providing personal care where required
• Building trusting relationships with pupils
• Working alongside teachers, therapists and specialist support staff

You'll learn as you go, with experienced colleagues around you to help you develop your confidence and understanding.

Where could this role take you?

This isn't simply a job as a Teaching Assistant - it's an opportunity to build specialist experience that can shape your future career.

The school provides:

• Full induction and training
• Ongoing mentoring and support
• Regular CPD and professional development
• Hands-on experience with complex SEND
• The opportunity to learn from teachers and specialist therapists
• A permanent position within a supportive team

It's particularly suited to people considering a future in SEN education, teaching, educational psychology, therapy, care or other child-focused careers.

The role at a glance

• Salary: £24,303 per annum
• Contract: Permanent
• Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:45am-5:00pm
• Working pattern: Full-time, term time only
• Start date: September 2026
• Location: East Grinstead, West Sussex
• Experience: Previous school/SEND experience not required
• Training: Full training and ongoing mentoring provided

One important thing to know

The school is in a rural location, so a full UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle is essential.

Could this be your next step?

If you're coming from care, healthcare, support work, childcare, psychology, youth work or another people-focused background, you could already have many of the skills needed to succeed here.

You don't need to know everything on day one. You just need the right attitude, patience and genuine desire to help children and young people thrive.

Apply today to start your career in specialist SEN education.

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.