SEND teaching assistant

Supply Desk Ltd; Uckfield; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 22,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

CPD Learning Hub access

Flexible long-term opportunities

Job summary

Supply Desk is seeking a compassionate Teaching Assistant to support a Year 1 pupil with complex needs in a primary school near Uckfield. The role is full-time, 08:30–15:30, starting November 2026, with pay £14-£16 per hour depending on experience.

You will provide 1:1 emotional and learning support, help with autism strategies, work with staff and SENCOs, and contribute to a stable, nurturing school day. DBS check and long-term contract with potential to become permanent.

Qualifications

• GCSE Maths and English at grade C/4 or above.
• Experience supporting children with autism/SEND/complex needs.
• UK school-based experience is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide dedicated 1:1 support for a Year 1 pupil with complex needs.
• Build trusting relationships to promote emotional regulation, communication and independence.
• Support the pupil's learning across the curriculum with tailored activities and differentiated approaches.
• Implement individual strategies to help manage anxiety and dysregulation.
• Collaborate with teaching staff, SENCOs and external professionals to support progress and wellbeing.
• Full-time role with the potential to become permanent.

Skills

1:1 support

Autism awareness

Patience

Calm demeanor

Education

GCSE Maths and English

Job description

Supply Desk are seeking a Teaching Assistant to support a Year 1 pupil with additional needs in a primary school near Uckfield

Starting Novemeber 2026

Pay: £14-£16 per hour (dependent on experience)

Hours: 08:30 – 15:30

Are you a compassionate, patient and resilient Teaching Assistant looking to make a genuine difference to a child's educational journey? Supply Desk are working with a welcoming medium-sized primary school in the Uckfield area, seeking a dedicated individual to provide 1:1 support for a Year 1 pupil with complex needs, including autism.

This rewarding role would suit someone who thrives on building positive relationships, understands the importance of consistency and structure, and can confidently support a child to regulate emotions and engage successfully in school life.

Job Description

• Providing dedicated 1:1 support for a Year 1 pupil with complex additional needs, including autism.
• Building a trusting and supportive relationship to promote emotional regulation, communication and independence.
• Supporting the pupil's learning across the curriculum through tailored activities and differentiated approaches.
• Implementing individual strategies and interventions to help the child manage periods of heightened anxiety and dysregulation.
• Working closely with teaching staff, SENCOs and external professionals to support progress and wellbeing.
• Full-time role with the potential to become permanent for the right candidate.
• Location: Uckfield Area
• Start Date:November 2026
• Contract: Long-term, with potential to become permanent
• Hours: Full-time (08:30 – 15:30)
• Pay: £14-£16 per hour (dependent on experience)

The Ideal Candidate

• Previous experience supporting children with autism, SEND, SEMH or complex needs.
• UK school-based experience is highly desirable.
• Calm, patient and nurturing approach with the ability to remain positive during challenging situations.
• Confident implementing behaviour support and emotional regulation strategies.
• Resilient, proactive and able to adapt to the changing needs of the pupil throughout the school day.
• GCSE Maths and English (Grade C/4 or above) or equivalent.
• Experience with intervention work or therapeutic approaches would be advantageous.

Who are Supply Desk?

Supply Desk are a nationwide education recruitment specialist working with schools and education professionals across the UK. We are committed to finding excellent staff for schools and helping candidates find roles they genuinely enjoy.

We offer:

• Competitive rates of pay.
• A dedicated consultant to support your journey.
• Access to our exclusive CPD Learning Hub.
• Flexible and long-term opportunities to suit your career goals.

Refer a Friend Scheme

Know somebody suitable for this role? Through our Refer a Friend scheme, you and your referral could earn up to £150 collectively.

Supply Desk is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All successful applicants will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and must satisfy Safer Recruitment requirements.