Teaching Assistant - New SEN Provision - Horsham, West Sussex
Be part of something extraordinary! Join our groundbreaking new SEN provision in Horsham and make a real difference in the lives of young people.
We are creating a specialist education provision offering therapeutic support with a focus on emotional wellbeing in a nurturing environment for young people aged 11-16 with communication difficulties typically associated with Autism Spectrum Conditions.
This is an exceptional opportunity to:
* Work alongside a dedicated clinical team: Collaborate with a Clinical Psychologist, OT, and SaLT, gaining valuable insights and experience in therapeutic approaches.
* Be part of an innovative school culture: Contribute to shaping a new, forward-thinking environment that prioritizes student well-being and success.
* Contribute to research: Participate in research projects focused on supporting neurodivergent students and the wider community.
* Make a lasting impact: Be at the heart of a provision that will change the lives of many young people and their families.
What you'll do:
* Support and nurture: Provide individual and group support to students, fostering their emotional wellbeing and academic progress.
* Integrated Therapy: Deliver therapeutic strategies and interventions alongside the clinical team, helping personalize each student's learning journey.
* Classroom Support: Provide proactive support in the classroom, assisting with lesson delivery, individual learning plans, and promoting a positive and inclusive learning environment.
* Communication: Work closely with teachers, therapists, and parents to ensure consistent and effective communication about student progress and well-being.
* Enrichment: Support a wide range of enrichment activities, including outdoor experiences, sports (including swimming), visits, and community projects.
We are looking for candidates who:
* Have a passion for working with young people with communication difficulties associated with ASC.
* Possess a qualification or genuine interest in psychology.
* Have experience supporting neurodivergent students in a teaching role (or demonstrate strong potential to learn quickly).
* Are resourceful, resilient, and possess a growth mindset.
* Have a good level of education.
Essential Requirements:
* GCSE Maths and English Language qualification minimum Grade 4 or equivalent is essential.
* Working towards L2 award in support work in schools or equivalent
* A good level of written and verbal English and general education as well as IT skills in order to support our students' learning.
* Have the empathy and resilience to work with young people some of whom may experience high anxiety and may exhibit self-harming behaviours, ARFID and disordered eating, and a range of mental health difficulties.
* Be committed to becoming a neuro-informed and a neuro-affirmative practitioner. That requires continuous engagement in learning and a genuine belief in a neuro-affirmative approach.
* Be outstanding in their pastoral and safeguarding practice
Desirable Requirements:
* A Psychology qualification.
We offer:
* Small classes with the opportunity to establish strong relationships with all students.
* The time, support and training for you to prioritise safeguarding, pastoral care and the overall wellbeing of all students.
* 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 both in terms of education and mental health.
* 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.
It is an exciting time to be part of this new provision and this is a unique career opportunity to make your mark on our growing services. The expectation for this role is high but so are the rewards!
What's on offer?
* Training and Development: Within this provision, we strongly believe that learning and development should not be limited to just the children and young people we support. We offer a wide range of programmes and opportunities to all our employees to improve your skills and further your career.
* Save money on your bills!!: With the cost of living rising we have a fantastic benefit through Perkbox to help with cutting costs and help make your money go further. Perkbox is a free app for you to use on the go wherever you are. You can get deals and discounts to save money on things like your weekly food bill, phone plans, internet, eating out, gym memberships, insurance and more. You can also use Perkbox for our cycle to work scheme and car scheme.
* Competitive Pay and Reward: Every year we compare the market rates of pay and rewards to insure they are comparable or better to other similar organisations. We also offer Enhanced Annual Leave, Company Sick Pay, Enhanced Pension Scheme and Life Assurance.
* UK Health Cash Plan: This plan can help cover your day to day healthcare expenditure such as optician and dental bills. You and your children are covered on this plan and you can also choose to upgrade and add a partner to enjoy the benefits with you.
* Employee Assistance Programme: Your health and wellbeing is very important to us and we have support available on a wide variety of issues, helping you with online tools, information and via a freephone counselling service available 24/7.
* Refer a friend for £1,000: We'll reward you for recommending friends and family to come and join the company ( terms apply )
To apply:
Please submit your CV and covering letter to Claire Watson at claire.watson@randstad.co.uk or call 01293 527416.
Start Date: Summer term 2025 or Autumn term 2025.
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
We look forward to hearing from you!