Trainee SEN Teaching Assistant - Full Training Provided, Permanent Role

Location: East Grinstead, West Sussex
Salary: £24,303 per annum
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:45am-5:00pm
Contract: Permanent, full-time, term-time only
Driving: Full UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle essential

Psychology Graduate? Looking for a Rewarding Career in SEN Education?

Are you a Psychology or Sociology graduate, or do you have experience in care, healthcare, childcare or support work?

Looking for a career where you can make a genuine difference to the lives of children and young people?

NextGen Teachers are recruiting a Trainee SEN Teaching Assistant to join a specialist school in East Grinstead, supporting pupils with profound, multiple and complex learning needs.

This is an exciting opportunity to start a career in specialist education, with full training and ongoing support provided. You do not need previous school experience - just a caring nature, a willingness to learn and a genuine passion for helping others.

You will play an important role in helping pupils develop communication, independence and essential life skills, supporting them to achieve meaningful progress every day.

The Role - Trainee SEN Teaching Assistant

You will work within a specialist classroom alongside experienced teachers and support staff, helping pupils with complex additional needs access learning and develop their independence.

This is a hands-on role focused on practical learning, communication, physical development and everyday life skills.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting pupils with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD), complex SEN and physical needs.
• Encouraging communication through individualised activities, sensory experiences and tailored support.
• Helping pupils develop independence and essential everyday life skills.
• Providing personal care, including support with hygiene and daily routines.
• Assisting pupils with mobility and physical needs, including safe moving and handling.
• Supporting social interaction, engagement and participation in classroom activities.
• Working closely with teachers and specialist staff to provide consistent, individualised support.

You will be supporting pupils to achieve meaningful milestones, whether that is developing communication, gaining independence or participating more confidently in everyday activities.

Who Would Suit This Role?

This opportunity is ideal for someone looking to transfer their existing skills into specialist education or begin a new career working with children and young people with additional needs.

Relevant backgrounds could include:

• Psychology or Sociology graduates
• Education, Childhood Studies or related graduates
• Care Assistants or Healthcare Support Workers
• Nursery Nurses or Nursery Practitioners
• Residential Support Workers
• Learning Disability Support Workers
• Individuals with experience supporting children or adults with complex needs

Previous school experience is not essential. The school is looking for someone who is compassionate, patient, reliable and eager to develop their skills.

You must also be comfortable with providing personal care and supporting pupils with physical and mobility needs.

A full UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle are essential, as the school is not accessible by public transport.

Why Apply?

• Permanent employment: Secure a permanent position with a salary of £24,303 per annum.
• Full training provided: No previous school experience or specialist SEN qualifications are required.
• A rewarding career: Make a genuine difference to the lives of children and young people with complex needs.
• Develop specialist skills: Gain experience in communication support, personal care, mobility assistance and life-skills development.
• Supportive environment: Work alongside experienced teachers and specialist staff who will help you develop.
• Career progression: Build a strong foundation for a future career in SEN education, specialist support or teaching.

The Details

• Job title: Trainee SEN Teaching Assistant
• Location: East Grinstead, West Sussex
• Salary: £24,303 per annum
• Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:45am-5:00pm
• Contract: Permanent, full-time, term-time only
• Training: Full specialist training and ongoing support provided
• Experience: No previous school experience required

Apply Today

If you are looking for a meaningful career where you can help children and young people build confidence, develop independence and reach their potential, we would love to hear from you.

Whether you are a graduate looking to begin your career or someone with experience in care, healthcare or childcare looking for a new direction, this could be the perfect opportunity.

Apply today to find out more about this Trainee SEN Teaching Assistant position and begin your journey into specialist education with NextGen Teachers.

Please note: A full UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle are essential due to the school's location. This role involves personal care and physically supporting pupils with mobility, so applicants must feel comfortable undertaking these responsibilities. All appointments are subject to the successful completion of the required compliance checks.

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.