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 supportive leadership for your growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while building a rewarding career.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEMH or SEND, strong communication skills, and a passion for education.
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 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 a commitment to ongoing professional development, we offer a nurturing environment that fosters both personal and career growth. Enjoy competitive salaries, flexible working arrangements, and a culture that values work-life balance, making this an excellent opportunity for those passionate about making a difference in young people's lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Pastoral Teaching Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in education or related fields. Let them know you're on the hunt for a Pastoral Teaching Assistant role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to SEMH and SEND needs. Think about your experiences and how they relate to supporting young people. We want you to shine when it comes to showcasing your skills!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to research the school! Understanding their approach to emotional wellbeing and behaviour support will help you tailor your responses during interviews. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in their mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that role! We make it easy for you to showcase your passion for supporting students with SEMH needs. Let’s get you started on this rewarding journey together!
We think you need these skills to ace Pastoral Teaching Assistant
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 any personal experiences or motivations that drive you to work in this field – we love to see genuine enthusiasm!
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 your background fits perfectly with what we’re looking for!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate when candidates can communicate effectively, as it reflects the kind of support we provide to our students.
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 gives you a chance to explore more about our school and values.
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, having these stories ready will make you stand out.
✨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 shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the school is the right fit for you.
✨Be Yourself
Authenticity goes a long way, especially in a role focused on building relationships. Be open about your motivations for wanting to work with young people and how you can contribute to their growth. Your personality and passion can be just as important as your qualifications!
