At a Glance
- Tasks: Support pupils with SEMH needs through creative and nurturing approaches.
- Company: A caring SEMH school in Chichester focused on emotional wellbeing.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, full-time hours, and potential for permanent roles.
- Other info: Join a supportive team in a peaceful environment with growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Level 2/3 qualification in childcare or education and a DBS check.
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.
Contract Details
- 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
Requirements
- 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.
Special School Support Assistant employer: senploy
Contact Detail:
senploy Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Special School Support Assistant
✨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 emotional and behavioural challenges. We recommend role-playing with a friend to boost your confidence!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for helping children with SEMH needs during interviews. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your patience and empathy – it’ll make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and shows you’re serious about joining a supportive team.
We think you need these skills to ace Special School Support Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for supporting children with SEMH needs shine through. We want to see your genuine interest in making a difference in their lives, so share any relevant experiences or motivations that drive you.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Special School Support Assistant. Highlight your qualifications and experiences that align with the job description, especially those related to emotional support and working with children with additional needs.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Use bullet points where necessary and avoid jargon – we want to understand your skills and experiences without any confusion!
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, so give it a go!
How to prepare for a job interview at senploy
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the specific needs of pupils with SEMH, autism, and ADHD. Familiarise yourself with strategies for supporting emotional regulation and communication skills. This will show that you're not just passionate but also knowledgeable about the role.
✨Show Your Empathy
During the interview, share examples from your past experiences where you've demonstrated patience and empathy. Whether it's a challenging situation with a child or a successful interaction, these stories will highlight your ability to connect with pupils on a personal level.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions that reflect your interest in the school's approach to supporting pupils. Inquire about their methods for promoting emotional wellbeing or how they handle transitions for students. This shows that you're genuinely interested in their practices and want to be part of their team.
✨Be Yourself
Authenticity goes a long way in interviews. Let your personality shine through and demonstrate your passion for working with children who have additional needs. The school is looking for someone who can build trusting relationships, so being genuine will help you stand out.