At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people with SEMH needs in a nurturing school environment.
- Company: Specialist SEN school focused on emotional wellbeing and personalised learning.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, free meals, pension, and ongoing professional development.
- Other info: Small class sizes and strong staff support for your growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while building a rewarding career.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEMH or SEND, or a background in psychology or youth work.
The predicted salary is between 22746 - 23980 £ per year.
Location: West Sussex (near Crawley / East Grinstead)
Salary: £22,746 – £23,980 per annum (dependent on qualifications and experience)
Contract: Full-Time | Term Time Only (36 weeks per year) | Hours: Monday to Friday | Start Date: ASAP / Flexible Start Available
Are you passionate about supporting young people with Social, Emotional & Mental Health (SEMH) needs? We are recruiting Teaching Assistants to join a specialist SEN school in West Sussex supporting students with SEMH needs, behavioural challenges, Autism (ASC), and communication difficulties across Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4. This is a highly rewarding opportunity for Teaching Assistants, Behaviour Mentors, Support Workers, Care Workers, Psychology graduates, or individuals with experience supporting young people with additional needs who are looking to build a long-term career within specialist education. Both temp-to-perm and permanent opportunities are available. Please note that due to the location of the school, a drivers license is required.
The Role
As a Teaching Assistant, you will play a key role in supporting students both inside and outside of the classroom, helping them regulate emotions, develop positive relationships, and re-engage with learning. The school provides a therapeutic and highly supportive environment with small class sizes (typically 5–6 pupils) and a strong focus on emotional wellbeing, behaviour support, and personalised learning.
Key Responsibilities
- Supporting students across a range of subjects and activities
- Providing 1:1 and small group support for pupils with SEMH and SEND needs
- Assisting with emotional regulation and behaviour support strategies
- Building strong, positive, and consistent relationships with students
- Supporting pupils who may display challenging behaviour or anxiety around learning
- Helping create a calm, structured, and safe learning environment
- Encouraging confidence, resilience, independence, and engagement
- Working closely with teachers, pastoral teams, and therapists
The Ideal Candidate
- Experienced working with children or young people with SEMH, SEND, or behavioural needs
- From a Teaching Assistant, Behaviour Support, Youth Work, Care, or Pastoral background
- Psychology graduates or aspiring education/mental health professionals
- Calm, resilient, and emotionally intelligent
- Confident supporting behaviour and emotional wellbeing
- Able to build trust and positive relationships with vulnerable young people
- Strong communicators and effective team players
- Drivers (preferred due to school location)
What’s on Offer
- Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications
- Small class sizes and high levels of staff support
- Temp-to-perm and direct permanent opportunities available
- Funded Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification pathway
- Supportive leadership team and therapeutic school environment
- Strong focus on staff wellbeing and work-life balance
- Free school meals
- Pension and healthcare-related benefits
- Ongoing CPD and career progression opportunities
Pastoral Teaching Assistant in East Grinstead employer: NextGen Teachers
Join a dedicated team at our specialist SEN school in West Sussex, where we prioritise the emotional wellbeing and development of students with SEMH needs. With a strong focus on staff support, small class sizes, and opportunities for professional growth, we offer a nurturing work environment that values your contributions and promotes a healthy work-life balance. Enjoy competitive salaries, ongoing training, and a supportive leadership team committed to your success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Pastoral Teaching Assistant in East Grinstead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in education or SEN support. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to SEMH and behaviour support. We recommend role-playing with a friend to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, share your experiences and why you care about supporting young people with SEMH needs. Authenticity goes a long way!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and you’re considered for the roles that match your skills and passion.
We think you need these skills to ace Pastoral Teaching Assistant in East Grinstead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for supporting young people with SEMH needs shine through. Share personal experiences or motivations that led you to this field – we love hearing about what drives you!
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of a Pastoral Teaching Assistant. Highlight relevant experience, skills, and qualifications that align with the job description. We want to see how you can contribute to our supportive environment!
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 makes it easy for us to see your strengths and suitability for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at NextGen Teachers
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of a Pastoral Teaching Assistant inside and out. Familiarise yourself with SEMH needs, behaviour support strategies, and how to create a calm learning environment. This knowledge will help you answer questions confidently and show your passion for supporting young people.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to support students with additional needs. Whether it’s a time you helped a student regulate their emotions or built a positive relationship, these stories will make you stand out and show you’re the right fit for the role.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some insightful questions about the school’s approach to emotional wellbeing and behaviour support. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the school’s environment aligns with your values.
✨Be Yourself
Authenticity is key when working with vulnerable young people. During the interview, let your personality shine through. Show your calmness, resilience, and emotional intelligence. The interviewers want to see how you would connect with students, so don’t be afraid to be genuine!
