Special Needs Teaching Assistant

Location: Burgess Hill, West Sussex

Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:45am – 4:00pm (5:00pm finish on Tuesdays) – Term Time Only

Pay: £110 per day

Contract: Full-Time | Temp-to-Perm Pathway from Day One

Start Date: 1st September

Are you passionate about supporting children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)? Do you have the patience, empathy and resilience to help students overcome barriers and achieve their full potential? Pink Tile Education is delighted to be working with a fantastic SEND school in Burgess Hill, which is looking to welcome a dedicated Teaching Assistant to its supportive team from 1st September. The school caters for both primary and secondary-aged pupils with a wide range of SEND needs. Every student is unique, and the school prides itself on delivering highly personalised support, enabling pupils to flourish both academically and personally.

As a Teaching Assistant, you'll be supporting students with a variety of additional needs. Some pupils have more complex communication needs and require tailored support throughout the school day. Experience using alternative communication methods such as Makaton, PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System), visual symbols, or other communication aids would be highly valued, although training and support will be provided for the right candidate. The school is also looking for someone who understands the importance of emotional regulation. Whether your experience comes from a professional setting or your personal life, if you've successfully used distraction techniques, calming strategies, sensory approaches or relationship-based support to help children regulate their emotions, we'd love to hear from you.

This is a wonderful opportunity to become part of a caring, highly skilled team in a school that genuinely invests in both its pupils and staff.

What You'll Be Doing

• Supporting children and young people across the primary and secondary phases.
• Working with pupils with a wide range of SEND needs, including more complex learning and communication needs.
• Using communication strategies such as Makaton, PECS, visual symbols and other alternative communication methods where appropriate.
• Supporting students with emotional regulation through positive behaviour strategies, sensory approaches and distraction techniques.
• Building trusting relationships that promote confidence, independence and engagement.
• Working closely with teachers, therapists and the wider SEND team to deliver personalised support.
• Encouraging students to develop both academically and socially in a safe, nurturing environment.

What We're Looking For

• Experience working with children or young people with SEND (professional or personal experience welcomed).
• Understanding of a range of additional needs and how they can impact learning.
• Experience or knowledge of Makaton, PECS, visual symbols or alternative communication methods would be advantageous.
• An understanding of emotional regulation and strategies to support students during times of dysregulation.
• A calm, patient and positive approach.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• A genuine passion for helping children and young people achieve their potential.

Why Join This School?

• A warm, welcoming and highly supportive staff team.
• Outstanding facilities designed to meet the needs of students with SEND.
• Excellent opportunities to learn from experienced professionals.
• A rewarding role where every day makes a real difference.
• Temp-to-perm from Day One – you'll begin on a clear pathway towards a permanent position from your very first day, with the intention of joining the school permanently if it’s the right fit for both you and the school.

If you're looking for a role where your support can genuinely transform the lives of children with SEND, we'd love to hear from you.

Safeguarding Statement: Pink Tile Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, professional references, and all other safer recruitment checks in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance.

Important Notice: In accordance with the Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations 2003, this advertisement is for the purpose of identifying suitable applicants. We reserve the right to withdraw the advert prior to the closing date should a suitable candidate be appointed.