SEND Teaching Assistant
Meet Our Recruiter
About the Role
SEMH & Autism Teaching Assistant - SEND School
Location: West Sussex
Salary: £20,496 – £26,000 per annum (depending on experience)
Contract Type: Permanent
Start Date: September 2025 
Parker Smith Inclusion
Are you passionate about supporting young people who feel misunderstood, disengaged, or excluded from mainstream education? Do you want to make a meaningful impact on pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs and Autism?
Parker Smith Inclusion is working in partnership with a specialist school in West Sussex to recruit a committed and resilient SEMH & Autism Teaching Assistant.
The school supports primary and secondary pupils, many of whom have faced trauma, disrupted education, and complex behavioural needs – including potential gang affiliation and high levels of emotional distress.
About the Role:
You will support students on a 1:1 and small group basis (4–8 pupils per class), helping them engage with learning, develop emotional regulation skills, and build confidence in a nurturing and consistent environment.
This is a highly rewarding role that requires empathy, patience, and the ability to remain calm in challenging situations.
Key Responsibilities:
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Support learning and emotional development of pupils with SEMH and Autism
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Assist in delivering a creative and flexible curriculum
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Help manage behaviours using positive, trauma-informed strategies
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Foster trusting relationships with students who may be disengaged from education
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Work collaboratively with teachers, therapists, and support staff
 
Who We’re Looking For:
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Experience supporting children or young people with SEND, SEMH, or behavioural needs (desirable)
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Confidence working with challenging behaviour and emotionally vulnerable students
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Strong interpersonal and communication skills
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Calm, resilient, and nurturing with a passion for making a difference
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Psychology graduates or candidates with youth work, care, or SEN backgrounds are very welcome to apply
 
What’s On Offer:
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Permanent position through Parker Smith Inclusion
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£20,496 – £26,000 per annum, based on experience
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Full-time, term-time role
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Extensive training and professional development in SEND and trauma-informed practice
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A small, supportive school environment where you can make a lasting impact
 
How to Apply:
If you’re ready to take on a deeply rewarding role and help change the lives of young people who need it most, we’d love to hear from you.
Please send your CV and a short covering statement to Jamie Martinez at Parker Smith Inclusion.