Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with special needs in a compassionate and engaging learning environment.
- Company: Join St Joseph's Specialist Trust, a supportive and inclusive educational community.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, fully funded training, and a £1,000 retention bonus.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your skills and career.
- Qualifications: No experience needed; just bring empathy, resilience, and a positive attitude.
- Other info: Work in a beautiful setting with ongoing support and career progression opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 20244 - 21032 £ per year.
Location: Cranleigh
Salary: £20,244 - £21,032 per annum
St Joseph's Specialist Trust is looking for compassionate and dedicated Teaching Assistants to join our growing education team. As student numbers increase, we are 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 will be working with students aged 5-19 who have severe social communication difficulties, complex learning disabilities, and often challenging behaviours. You will help them access therapy-based education, develop essential life skills, and achieve the highest level of independence possible.
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 will 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.
- 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.
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.
Salary and Progression:
Teaching Assistant salary (pro rata for term time, 39 weeks + CPD days): £20,224 - £21,032 (£23,580 - £24,521 FTE) rising to £21,851 - £23,999 (£25,476 - £27,981 FTE) for Senior Teaching Assistant after completing the apprenticeship (funded by us) and two years with the Trust. You can also progress to Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) roles:
- Unqualified HLTA: £23,999 (£27,981 FTE)
- Qualified HLTA: £27,715 (£32,313 FTE)
All salaries include the 2025 cost-of-living increase (effective April 1st, 2025).
Why Join St Joseph's?
We offer a supportive, inclusive, and rewarding workplace with a clear focus on your wellbeing and growth. Our benefits include:
- Fully funded, nationally accredited TA qualification (2 years)
- £1,000 retention bonus (£250 after 1 month, £3250 after 1 year, £500 after 18 months)
- Life Assurance and Medical Cash Plan (after qualifying period)
- Annual Team Teach refresher training and ongoing inclusion support.
- Personalised CPD, regular 1:1 line management and online appraisals
- Free hot lunch during term-time and free on-site parking
- Employee Assistance Service - 24/7 confidential wellbeing and counselling support for you and your family
- Access to Mental Health First Aiders and Occupational Health support
- Work on a beautiful 23-acre site in a semi-rural setting on the edge of the Surrey Hills (own transport desirable).
Safeguarding:
St Joseph's Specialist Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This position requires an enhanced DBS check and reference checks. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer.
To Apply:
If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for St Joseph's Specialist Trust, please do not hesitate to apply.
SEN Teaching Assistant in Cranleigh) employer: Ad Warrior Ltd
Contact Detail:
Ad Warrior Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SEN Teaching Assistant in Cranleigh)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research St Joseph's Specialist Trust and understand their values and mission. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff on LinkedIn or other platforms. They can provide insider tips and might even put in a good word for you, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to SEN roles. Think about scenarios where you've demonstrated empathy, patience, and resilience. We want to see how you handle challenges!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our amazing team at St Joseph's.
We think you need these skills to ace SEN Teaching Assistant in Cranleigh)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for helping students shine through. We want to see your empathy and dedication to making a difference in their lives.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role. Mention any relevant training or personal experiences that showcase your ability to support students with special educational needs.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at St Joseph's Specialist Trust.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ad Warrior Ltd
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand what being a SEN Teaching Assistant at St Joseph's involves. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of the students and the methods used, like Makaton and multi-sensory approaches. This will show your genuine interest and help you answer questions more confidently.
✨Showcase Your Empathy and Resilience
During the interview, be ready to share examples of how you've demonstrated empathy and resilience in challenging situations. Think about times when you've supported someone in need or managed a difficult scenario calmly. This is crucial for a role that requires patience and understanding.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask your interviewers. Inquire about the training programmes, team dynamics, or how they support staff wellbeing. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the environment aligns with your values.
✨Practice Active Listening
During the interview, practice active listening. Make sure to engage with the interviewers by nodding, maintaining eye contact, and responding thoughtfully to their questions. This demonstrates your strong communication skills, which are essential for working with students and their families.
