SEND Teaching Assistant – Specialist Secondary School

About the role

We are looking for a SEND Teaching Assistant to join a newly opened specialist secondary school in Horsham, West Sussex. The school supports autistic learners aged 11‑16 and delivers an adapted National Curriculum in small, sensory‑friendly classes. The role starts in September 2026 on a full‑time, term‑time basis.

Key responsibilities

• Work closely with in‑house therapists and clinicians to deliver integrated therapy strategies in the classroom.
• Support individual students’ learning, personalising tasks and providing proactive assistance during lessons.
• Provide regular feedback to parents and external professionals about student progress.
• Assist with enrichment activities such as outdoor outings, swimming, community projects and other extracurricular programmes.
• Collaborate with the SENCO to implement interventions and monitor student wellbeing.

Required profile

• Strong interest in therapy or psychology, with a relevant qualification or demonstrable enthusiasm.
• Experience or clear potential to work with young people, particularly those with SEND.
• Resilience, empathy and a growth mindset to support students with anxiety, self‑harm, ARFID, disordered eating or other mental health challenges.
• Good written and verbal English, GCSE (or Level 2 functional) grades in English and Maths, and basic IT skills.

Required skills

• Basic IT proficiency for supporting classroom learning.

What we offer

• Competitive salary £22,996 – £24,568 per year, dependent on experience.
• Full‑time, 40‑hour week during term time with a supportive, inclusive school culture.
• Opportunities for extensive training and professional development alongside specialist clinicians.