SEND Learning Support Assistant

Pink Tile Education Ltd; Chichester; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 19,000; Full time

Job summary

Pink Tile Education is assisting an outstanding SEND school in Chichester, West Sussex, to recruit a dedicated Teaching Assistant from 1st September. You’ll support pupils aged 2–19 with a range of SEND needs, helping them access learning and develop confidence in a nurturing environment.

You’ll work closely with teachers, therapists and the wider team, using approaches such as Makaton and PECS where appropriate, and you’ll be supported with ongoing training and development in a collaborative

Qualifications

• Experience as Teaching Assistant or similar role.
• Experience supporting children with SEND.
• Knowledge of Makaton, PECS or alternative communication.
• Experience supporting emotional regulation with sensory strategies.
• Patient, resilient and caring attitude; excellent teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils aged 2–19 as a Teaching Assistant.
• Assist students with SEND needs and access learning.
• Differentiate activities to suit individual abilities.
• Use Makaton, PECS, or symbols where appropriate.
• Support emotional regulation with positive strategies.
• Build strong relationships to promote wellbeing.
• Work with teachers and therapists as part of a team.

Skills

Teaching experience

SEND experience

Communication

Patience

Tools

Makaton

PECS

Visual symbols

Job description

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.

If you\'re looking for your next Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant or Classroom Assistant role in Chichester, we\'d love to hear from you. This is an exciting opportunity to join a fantastic SEND school where you\'ll be valued, supported and given every opportunity to develop your career while making a lasting difference to the lives of children and young people.

Pink Tile Education

Pink Tile Education is a specialist recruitment agency dedicated to matching talented education professionals with schools where they can truly thrive. We take the time to understand both our candidates and our partner schools, ensuring the right fit for everyone involved.

Our team has extensive experience within education, particularly across SEND and SEMH settings, meaning we understand the unique challenges and rewards these roles bring.

Saf 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.

Important Notice: In accordance with the Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations 2003, this advertisement is for the purpose of identifying suitable applicants. We reserve the right to withdraw the advert prior to the closing date should a suitable candidate be appointed.