Inclusion Support Assistant in Horsham

Are you an active, resilient and compassionate support professional who can build strong relationships with children who may find it difficult to engage with education? Ripple Education is recruiting an Inclusion Support Assistant for a full-time, long-term position in a primary school in Ashington. We’re looking for someone who is confident, energetic and hands‑on.

You’ll support children who may need additional help to regulate their emotions, manage their behaviour and successfully engage with school and learning. Experience within a PRU, Alternative Provision, SEMH or specialist setting would be particularly valuable for this role.

The opportunity

This is not a role where you’ll spend the whole day sitting alongside a child at a desk. We’re looking for someone who is active and willing to get involved, whether that means supporting learning in the classroom, helping a child regulate outside of the classroom, engaging pupils through practical or physical activities, or providing calm and consistent support during more challenging moments. You’ll work closely with school staff to help children feel included, develop positive relationships and successfully access their education.

What we’re looking for

• Experience supporting children or young people with SEMH, behavioural or additional needs
• Previous experience within a PRU, Alternative Provision or specialist setting would be highly desirable
• A confident, active and hands‑on approach
• The resilience to remain calm and consistent when behaviour becomes challenging
• An understanding of positive behaviour support and de‑escalation
• The ability to build trusting relationships while maintaining clear professional boundaries
• A patient, compassionate and non‑judgemental approach
• Good communication and teamwork skills
• A thorough understanding of safeguarding
• Availability to work full‑time on a long‑term basis

A relevant Teaching Assistant, Learning Support or equivalent qualification would be beneficial. We also welcome applications from people with strong, relevant transferable experience whose skills and approach would suit an inclusion role within a primary school.

The role

• Provide 1:1, small‑group and classroom support
• Help pupils engage successfully with learning and school routines
• Support children with emotional regulation and behaviour
• Use positive behaviour support and de‑escalation strategies
• Build consistent and trusting relationships with pupils
• Support children both inside and outside the classroom
• Use practical, active and engaging approaches to help pupils participate in education
• Help children develop confidence, resilience, independence and social skills
• Support pupils during transitions and challenging points in the school day
• Work closely with teachers, the SEND/inclusion team and other professionals
• Help maintain a safe, positive and inclusive environment
• Follow school and Ripple Education safeguarding procedures at all times

Why work with Ripple?

• Weekly pay and holiday pay
• Access to specialist training and professional development
• A friendly, supportive team who get to know you
• Support from experienced teachers and education professionals

Safer Recruitment Requirements

We take our responsibility to safeguard children extremely seriously. All applicants must fully engage with Ripple Education’s rigorous and robust safer recruitment process before they can be considered for work. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Enhanced Child Workforce DBS and relevant barred list checks
• Full employment and education history, including explanations for any gaps
• Suitable professional references
• Right to Work and identity checks
• Qualification checks, where applicable
• Safeguarding and suitability declarations

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Please note, Ripple Education is unable to offer visa sponsorship. Our recruitment process is intentionally thorough because the safety and welfare of children will always come first.

Interested?

If you’re active, resilient and confident supporting children who need a different approach to succeed in school, we’d love to hear from you. As part of our commitment to safer recruitment, a full application form must be completed before interview. Ripple Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff to share this commitment and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. Join our team and help children feel included, supported and able to succeed in education.