Special Needs Teaching Assistant

Teaching Assistant / Learning Support Assistant / Classroom Assistant - SEND School

Location: Chichester, West Sussex
Hours: Monday to Thursday, 8:45am - 3:15pm Friday, 8:45am - 2:00pm (Term Time Only)
Pay: £93 per day
Contract: Full-Time Temporary to Permanent Opportunity
Start Date: 1st September

Are you an experienced Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant or Classroom Assistant looking for a rewarding role in Chichester? Do you have experience supporting children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)?

Pink Tile Education is delighted to be working with an outstanding SEND school in Chichester, which is looking to appoint a caring, enthusiastic and dedicated Teaching Assistant / Learning Support Assistant to join its incredible team from 1st September.

This specialist Chichester school supports children and young people aged 2-19 years, providing an inclusive and nurturing environment where every pupil is encouraged to achieve their full potential. The school caters for students with a wide range of SEND needs, from moderate learning difficulties through to more complex needs, with communication, emotional wellbeing and independence at the heart of everything they do.

As a Teaching Assistant, you'll be supporting pupils across different age groups, helping them access learning, develop confidence and build essential life skills. Some students have complex communication needs, so experience using Makaton, PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System), visual symbols or other alternative communication methods would be highly valued.

The school also welcomes applicants with personal or professional SEND experience who understand how important emotional regulation is. If you've supported children using distraction techniques, sensory strategies, visual timetables or calming approaches to help them regulate their emotions, your experience would be a fantastic fit.

This is a brilliant opportunity to join a highly respected SEND school where you'll receive excellent support, ongoing training and become part of a genuinely caring staff team.

What You'll Be Doing

• Working as a Teaching Assistant / Learning Support Assistant supporting pupils aged 2-19.

• Supporting children and young people with a wide variety of SEND needs, including more complex communication and learning needs.

• Helping pupils access learning through tailored support and differentiated activities.

• Using communication methods such as Makaton, PECS, visual symbols and other communication aids where appropriate.

• Supporting emotional regulation using positive behaviour strategies, sensory approaches and distraction techniques.

• Building strong, trusting relationships that promote confidence, independence and wellbeing.

• Working closely with teachers, therapists and the wider multidisciplinary team to provide personalised support.

What We're Looking For

• Experience as a Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant, Classroom Assistant, Support Worker or in a similar role.

• Personal or professional experience supporting children or young people with SEND.

• Knowledge of Makaton, PECS, visual symbols or alternative communication methods would be advantageous.

• Experience supporting emotional regulation through calming techniques, sensory strategies or distraction methods.

• A patient, resilient and caring approach.

• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.

• A genuine passion for helping children and young people achieve their potential.

Why Join This Chichester School?

• A warm, welcoming and highly supportive staff team.

• Excellent specialist facilities designed to meet a wide range of SEND needs.

• The opportunity to work with pupils from Early Years through to Post-16, making every day varied and rewarding.

• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities.

• A rewarding Teaching Assistant role where you'll make a genuine difference every single day.

• Temporary to permanent opportunity - the school is looking for someone to become a long-term member of the team. You'll initially join through Pink Tile Education, with the opportunity to secure a permanent contract once you've demonstrated you're the right fit for the school.

Safeguarding Statement:
Pink Tile Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, professional references and all other safer recruitment checks in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance.