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- Tasks: Support pupils with SEMH needs through creative and hands-on learning activities.
- Company: A caring SEMH school in Chichester focused on emotional wellbeing.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, free training, and a supportive community.
- Other info: Full-time role with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people with complex needs.
- Qualifications: Level 2/3 qualification in childcare or relevant SEN experience required.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 30000 £ per year.
A warm, caring, and highly supportive SEMH school in Chichester is looking for Special School Support Assistants who can bring patience, empathy, and consistency to their team. The school supports pupils aged 7-16 who have a range of Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs, alongside additional needs such as Autism, ADHD, Attachment Disorders, Anxiety, and Speech and Language delay.
The school is set in a peaceful location that offers space and calm for pupils to thrive; because of this, driving is essential.
Key Responsibilities- Offering gentle, personalised support to pupils with SEMH needs, autism, ADHD, attachment-related needs, anxiety, and communication differences.
- Supporting children and young people who may experience emotional dysregulation, heightened anxiety, sensory overload, or challenges with transitions, routines, and social interactions.
- Encouraging engagement through creative, practical, therapeutic, and hands-on learning activities suited to both primary and secondary-age pupils.
- Promoting emotional wellbeing, safety, and positive behaviour through calm, consistent, and nurturing approaches.
- Helping pupils develop communication skills, emotional regulation strategies, social understanding, independence, and life-skills.
- Building trusting, secure relationships through warmth, patience, and clear, supportive communication.
- Working closely with teachers, therapists, pastoral teams, and external professionals to provide holistic, child-centred support.
- Location: Chichester
- Position: Special School Support Assistant
- Start Date: September 2026
- Contract Type: Full-time with temp-to-perm pathways available; ad-hoc supply roles also offered.
- Working Hours: 08:30am - 15:00pm
- Pay Rate: From £14.25 per hour
- Driving: Essential due to the school's location.
- You must have the Right to Work in the UK.
- Hold an enhanced child-barred list DBS on the Update Service (or be willing to apply).
- Provide professional references covering the last 24 months.
- Hold a Level 2/3 qualification in childcare, education, or health & social care or have relevant SEN/SEMH experience supporting young people with complex needs.
- Be able to drive and have access to a vehicle.
- Free accredited CPD, including safeguarding, behaviour support, and de-escalation.
- Access to a specialist in-house Training & Development Team.
- Ongoing support from a dedicated SEN consultant.
- A warm, inclusive school community where staff feel valued and supported.
- Opportunities for professional growth and long-term development.
Know someone who would flourish in a nurturing SEMH setting? You can earn a referral bonus for every successful recommendation (T&Cs apply).
Special School Support Assistant - Permanent in Chichester employer: Prospero Teaching
Contact Detail:
Prospero Teaching Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Special School Support Assistant - Permanent in Chichester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who work with SEMH needs. They might know of openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to supporting children with SEMH needs. Think about real-life examples where you've shown patience and empathy—these stories will make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for the role! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through. It’s all about making that personal connection.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Special School Support Assistant - Permanent in Chichester
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, as it helps us see your genuine interest in making a difference.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Special School Support Assistant. Highlight relevant qualifications, experiences, and skills that align with the job description, especially those related to emotional support and communication.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate applications that are easy to read and get straight to the heart of why you’d be a great fit for our team.
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’s super easy to navigate!
How to prepare for a job interview at Prospero Teaching
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the specific needs of pupils with SEMH, autism, and other related challenges. Familiarise yourself with strategies for emotional regulation and how to create a supportive learning environment. This will show your genuine interest and readiness to contribute.
✨Show Your Empathy
During the interview, share examples from your past experiences where you've demonstrated patience and empathy. Talk about how you've built trusting relationships with young people and how you’ve supported them through difficult times. This is crucial in a role that requires a caring approach.
✨Be Ready for Scenarios
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-life situations. Think about how you would handle a pupil experiencing emotional dysregulation or sensory overload. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the school's approach to supporting pupils and the team dynamics. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the school’s values align with yours.