Sen Teaching Assistant

SEN Teaching Assistant

Location: Cranleigh

Salary: Earn up to £26,189 FTE (36 hours over 52 weeks) as a Teaching Assistant at St Joseph's Specialist Trust dependent on qualifications and experience*

Vacancy Type: Permanent, Full Time

Make a Difference Every Day

Do you want to change lives while building a rewarding and meaningful career?

We are looking for compassionate and dedicated Teaching Assistants to join our growing education team at St Joseph's Specialist Trust. As student numbers increase, we're expanding - and this is your chance to be part of a truly special community.

A Teaching Assistant role at St Joseph's is very different from a mainstream TA position. You'll be working with students aged 5-19 who have severe social communication difficulties, complex learning disabilities and often challenging behaviours. You'll help them access therapy-based education, develop essential life skills and achieve the highest level of independence possible - preparing them for life beyond school or college.

What the Role Involves

• Small classes of 8-13 students, grouped by ability and social needs rather than age.
• Support with core subjects (literacy, numeracy, PSHE) and daily living skills.
• Helping students communicate using Makaton, signs, symbols or communication aids through a multi-sensory approach.
• Providing guidance when students feel anxious, emotional or frustrated and supporting them to manage their feelings and behaviour.
• Working as part of a skilled, dedicated and supportive team with comprehensive training and mentoring.

Some students require personal care, for which full training will be provided.

Training and Development

At St Joseph's, learning never stops.

All our TAs take part in a twice-weekly training programme combining theory and practical sessions. This leads to a Teaching Assistant apprenticeship qualification, fully funded by the Trust and approved by the CPD Standards Office.

Before you start, you'll complete Team Teach Positive Behaviour Support Training as part of your induction. Ongoing refresher training and support from on-site tutors will help you grow your confidence and skills throughout your career here.

What You'll Bring

You don't need previous experience to apply - we'll provide all the training you need. What matters most is your empathy, compassion and resilience, along with a 'can do' attitude.

You'll also need:

• Literacy and numeracy skills to support student learning and complete essential records and forms.
• Common sense to work safely and effectively as part of a team.
• Strong communication skills with children, families and professionals.
• Patience and calm under pressure when supporting young people who display complex or challenging behaviours.
• A sufficient level of mental, physical and emotional resilience to meet the demands of the role.

You must also be prepared to provide personal care for students who require assistance to stay clean and comfortable.

Working Hours

36 hours per week:

• Monday: 8:30 - 16:00
• Tuesday - Thursday: 8:30 - 16:15
• Friday: 8:30 - 15:45
• 30 minutes admin time per week

We cannot accommodate reduced daily hours, but we can consider part-time work (3+ days per week) - please contact us to discuss.