SEN / SEMH Teaching Assistant

Reed; West Hoathly; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

NVQ Level 3 support

Career progression in SEN

Job summary

Reed Education, in partnership with a specialist SEMH school near East Grinstead, is seeking SEN Teaching Assistants to support primary and secondary pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs. This role offers a nurturing, structured and therapeutic environment with small class sizes and high staff-to-student ratios.

The position is temporary-to-permanent with a salary of £23,500, starting ASAP or in September, and provides on-site support, a strong team and clear progression

Qualifications

• Experience supporting SEMH pupils is preferred.
• Ability to work in a therapeutic, structured environment.
• Willingness to drive due to rural location.

Responsibilities

• Support students 1:1 and in small groups
• Help pupils engage with learning and manage behaviour positively
• Build strong, trusting relationships with students
• Work as part of a close-knit, supportive team
• Contribute to a structured, therapeutic environment

Skills

Empathy

Patience

Resilience

Behaviour management

Education

NVQ Level 3 qualification

Job description

SEN Teaching Assistants - SEMH School - East Grinstead

Reed Education are currently working in partnership with a specialist SEMH school in the East Grinstead area, supporting both primary and secondary pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs (SEMH).

Temporary to Permanent ASAP or September Start £23,500

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a school that provides a nurturing, structured environment, helping students who may have struggled in mainstream settings to re-engage with learning and build confidence.

About the School

The school offers:

• Small class sizes and high staff-to-student ratios
• A strong pastoral and therapeutic focus
• A broad, engaging curriculum tailored to individual needs
• On-site therapeutic support including Speech & Language Therapy and Occupational Therapy

Staff take a holistic approach, ensuring students are supported both academically and emotionally throughout the school day.

The Role - SEMH Teaching Assistant

• Support students 1:1 and in small groups
• Help pupils engage with learning and manage behaviour positively
• Build strong, trusting relationships with students
• Work as part of a close-knit, supportive team
• Contribute to a structured, therapeutic environment

While behaviour can sometimes be challenging, the school has a strong emphasis on early intervention, clear routines, and understanding the root causes of behaviour, ensuring staff feel supported and equipped.

What's on Offer

• Salary: £23,500
• Temp-to-perm opportunity
• Start dates: ASAP and September available
• Full support towards NVQ Level 3 qualification
• Clear pathway for long-term career progression in SEN
• A supportive, welcoming team environment

What We're Looking For

We welcome candidates who:

• Are passionate about supporting young people with SEMH needs
• Are resilient, patient, and empathetic
• Have a genuine interest in building a career in SEN education
• Are committed to making a long-term impact

Important Information

Due to the school's rural location, driving is essential.

This is a truly rewarding opportunity to make a real difference in young people's lives, within a school that invests in both its students and its staff.

Please note, successful applicants will undergo pre-employment safeguarding checks, including an enhanced DBS check.

Reed Education is deeply committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young adults.

We are proud to be a disability confident and equal opportunities employer.