SEN Teaching Assistant – Cranleigh, Surrey
Location: Cranleigh, Surrey
Hours: Full-time, Monday 08:30–16:00, Tuesday–Thursday 08:30–16:15, Friday 08:30–15:45
Pay: £14.50 – £15.55 per hour
Contract: Long-term / Temp-to-Perm
Transport: Due to the rural location, public transport is not a viable option. Applicants must have their own reliable transport.
About the SEN Teaching Assistant Role
Working as part of a skilled education and therapy team, you’ll provide individualised support to pupils with a wide range of complex needs.
Learning is highly personalised, with students supported according to their individual ability and social needs rather than simply their age. Alongside literacy, numeracy and other curriculum areas, there is a strong focus on communication, independence, practical life skills and preparing young people for life beyond education. Some pupils may be non-verbal and communicate using methods such as Makaton, signs, symbols and communication aids, so patience, creativity and the ability to adapt your communication style are particularly important.
Your Role Will Include
- Supporting pupils with autism, complex learning disabilities and social communication needs
- Providing individual and small-group support within a specialist classroom environment
- Helping pupils engage with personalised learning activities
- Supporting communication and interaction
- Encouraging independence, confidence and essential life skills
- Helping young people regulate their emotions and behaviour when they become anxious, frustrated or overwhelmed
- Working alongside teachers, therapists and other specialist professionals
- Supporting pupils consistently through positive relationships and clear boundaries
- Contributing to a safe, nurturing and engaging learning environment
About the Specialist School
You’ll be joining an established specialist school and college in the Cranleigh area supporting young people with complex SEND. The wider provision combines specialist education, therapy and care, with an integrated approach designed to help each young person achieve the highest possible level of independence. The setting is rated Outstanding by Ofsted and holds autism‑specific accreditation, including National Autistic Society accreditation and the Autism Education Trust Schools Licence for Surrey. It’s an excellent environment for someone who wants to build genuine specialist experience rather than simply gaining general classroom experience.
Who We're Looking For
- Caring, patient and compassionate
- Passionate about working with children or young people with SEND
- Calm and consistent when supporting challenging behaviour
- Able to build positive and trusting relationships
- Resilient and comfortable working within a complex‑needs environment
- A good communicator and team player
- Willing to support pupils with varying levels of independence and communication
Previous SEN experience is welcomed, but your attitude, resilience and empathy are just as important. Applicants do not necessarily need prior experience, with compassion and a positive "can do" attitude being key attributes.
Important – Own Transport Required
Due to the school's rural location, public transport is not a realistic option for this role. You must have access to your own reliable transport and be able to travel to the Cranleigh area for an 08:30 start. Please consider your commute before applying.
What Inspire EHC Offers
- £14.5– £15.55per hour
- Weekly PAYE payments
- Long-term opportunity with potential to become permanent
- Access to 20+ free CPD courses
- Dedicated support from an experienced SEND recruitment consultant
- Opportunities to develop specialist experience in autism, SEND, complex learning needs and positive behaviour support
- A personable and honest recruitment process
Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities
Inspire EHC and our partner specialist school are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
Successful applicants will be subject to appropriate safer recruitment checks, including an Enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.
Inspire EHC is an Equal Opportunities employer. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and are committed to promoting an inclusive working environment.
Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position.
SEN Teaching Assistant - Autism & Complex Needs in Waverley employer: Inspire EHC Ltd
Join a dynamic and inclusive school in Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft, where you can inspire and empower students with SEMH needs through a creative and engaging Humanities and PHSE curriculum. With a strong focus on staff wellbeing, tailored professional development, and a supportive culture, this is an excellent opportunity for educators looking to make a meaningful impact in a nurturing environment. Experience the unique advantage of small class sizes and multidisciplinary support, allowing you to truly connect with each learner and foster their growth.
