Teaching Assistant in a new SEN provision
Location: Horsham, West Sussex
Contract Type: Permanent, full-time
Hours: 40 hours per week
Actual annual salary: £22,906 - £23,621 dependent on experience
Hourly rate: £12.82 - £13.22 per hour
The School
As part of our growth strategy, we are really pleased to be opening a brand new SEND Secondary School in 2025 in the heart of Horsham, West Sussex for young neurodivergent people aged 11-16. Most of our students are coming to us from mainstream education to have access to an adapted National Curriculum delivered in small classes with a focus on meeting their sensory needs and support for their emotional wellbeing. We will provide a calm, safe and nurturing environment for our equally mixed cohort of girls and boys.
The Role:
This is an excellent career opportunity for someone who wishes to have significant training opportunities and to collaborate closely with in-house therapists and clinicians. It requires a focus on establishing strong relationships with students, prioritising their wellbeing above all else. Our Teaching Assistants are integral to the support we offer and are involved in every aspect of school life for each student. Our school works on a model of integrated therapy which means you also deliver strategies and interventions given by the clinical team with support from the SENCO. You will support the learning proactively in class and help personalise each young person's learning. Additionally, you will be involved in giving regular feedback to parents and other professionals.
Our students will have access to an enrichment curriculum that will include a range of outdoor activities, sports including swimming, visits, and community projects. We welcome applicants who are also enthusiastic to support these activities as well as class-based learning.
Successful candidates are likely to demonstrate:
1. A strong interest in therapeutic approaches.
2. A qualification or genuine interest in psychology.
3. Effective experience working with young people, especially those with SEND, or clear potential to learn quickly.
4. Successful support of neurodivergent students in a teaching role.
5. Resourcefulness, resilience, and a growth mindset.
6. A good level of education.
Candidates must:
1. Have GCSE Maths and English Language qualification minimum Grade 4 or equivalent.
2. Be working towards L2 award in support work in schools or equivalent.
3. A Psychology qualification is desirable.
4. Have a good level of written and verbal English and general education as well as IT skills to support our students' learning.
5. Have the empathy and resilience to work with young people who may experience high anxiety and may exhibit self-harming behaviours, ARFID and disordered eating, and a range of mental health difficulties.
6. Be committed to becoming a neuro-informed and a neuro-affirmative practitioner, requiring continuous engagement in learning and a genuine belief in a neuro-affirmative approach.
7. Be outstanding in their pastoral and safeguarding practice.
We offer:
1. Small classes with the opportunity to establish strong relationships with all students.
2. The time, support, and training to prioritise safeguarding, pastoral care, and the overall wellbeing of all students.
3. The chance to work with, and learn from, an onsite clinical team including a Clinical Psychologist, OT, and SaLT. There are also opportunities to be involved in research that will support our students and the wider neurodivergent community in terms of education and mental health.
4. A rare opportunity to be part of a team creating a new school and culture that will change the lives of many young people and their families within the community.
5. It is an exciting time to be part of Aurora and this is a unique career opportunity to make your mark on our growing services.
If you have any questions about the role please contact Finley from Blackstone.
#J-18808-Ljbffr