Teaching Assistant

NextGen Teachers; East Grinstead; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

NextGen Teachers is seeking a Trainee SEN Teaching Assistant for an East Grinstead school. The role offers full training, ongoing mentoring and hands-on experience in a specialist SEN environment.

You will work with teachers and therapists to support children and young people, developing communication, independence and confidence in daily activities. Starting September 2026, this full-time, permanent position is ideal for psychology graduates or individuals transitioning from care, health or

Qualifications

• No prior SEN experience required.
• Full training provided.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support to pupils.
• Help pupils engage with activities and develop confidence.
• Support children with autism and complex needs.
• Assist with personal care when required.

Education

Psychology graduate

Job description

Teaching Assistant (JN -052026-171201) East Grinstead, England

Salary: GBP24303 - GBP24303 per annum

Trainee SEN Teaching Assistant

Location:East Grinstead, West Sussex
Salary:£24,303 per annum
Hours:Monday-Friday, 8:45am-5:00pm
Contract:Full-Time, Permanent
Working Pattern:Term Time Only
Start Date:September 2026

Looking to Start a Career in SEN Education?

Are you aPsychology graduate, Care Assistant, Support Worker or someone with a genuine passion for helping others?

Perhaps you've worked incare, healthcare, residential settings, youth work, a nursery or support environmentand you're now looking for a career where you can make a real difference.

You don't need previous experience working in a school.

A specialist SEN school inEast Grinsteadis looking for aTrainee SEN Teaching Assistantto join their supportive team. You'll receivefull training, ongoing mentoring and hands-on experience, making this an excellent opportunity to build a long-term career in Special Educational Needs.

Your Experience Could Transfer Perfectly

You may already have many of the skills needed for this role if you've worked as a:

• Care Assistant or Support Worker
• Residential Support Worker
• Youth Worker
• Children's Support Worker
• Nursery Practitioner
• Psychology Graduate
• Education or Childhood Studies Graduate
• Sports Coach or Activity Leader
• Teaching Assistant or Learning Support Assistant

Experience supporting people withautism, learning difficulties, complex needs, physical disabilities, communication needs or emotional/behavioural needswould be particularly valuable, butfull training is provided.

Your ability to be patient, compassionate, observant and encouraging can be just as important as previous classroom experience.

No previous SEN or school experience is required.

What Will You Be Doing?

You'll work alongside experienced teachers, therapists and specialist support staff to help children and young people learn, communicate, develop independence and feel confident in their environment.

Your day could include:

• Providing1:1 and small-group support
• Helping pupils engage with classroom activities
• Supporting children withAutism, PMLD, SLD and complex learning needs
• Taking part in sensory, communication and therapeutic activities
• Helping pupils develop confidence, independence and social skillsSupporting emotional wellbeing and positive behaviour
• Providing personal care when required
• Building positive and trusting relationships with pupils
• Working closely with teachers, therapists and other professionals

Every day will be different, and you'll be supported as you develop your skills and confidence.

Who Would Be a Great Fit?

This role could be ideal if you're:

A Psychology Graduatelooking to gain valuable hands-on experience before progressing into education, educational psychology, therapy or another child-focused career.

Currently working in Care or Healthcareand looking to transfer your existing skills into a rewarding education environment.

A Support Worker or Residential Workerwith experience supporting vulnerable children, young people or adults.

An aspiring Teaching Assistant or Teacherwho wants to start a career in specialist education.

Someone with experience in childcare, youth work, sports or community settingswho enjoys building relationships and helping others achieve their potential.

Most importantly, we're looking for someone who iscaring, patient, resilient and genuinely passionate about supporting children and young people.

What You'll Get

• Permanent, full-time position
• Term-time only working
• Full training and comprehensive induction
• Ongoing mentoring and support
• Regular CPD and professional development
• Experience working alongside teachers and specialist therapists
• Excellent opportunity to build a career in SEN education
• Supportive and experienced team
• A rewarding role where you can make a genuine difference every day

Due to therural location of the school, youmust hold a full UK driving licence and have access to your own vehicle.

Why SEN?

Working in specialist education can be an incredibly rewarding career. You'll have the opportunity to develop specialist knowledge aroundAutism, learning difficulties, communication, sensory needs and complex SEND, while building strong relationships with pupils and seeing their progress first-hand.

Whether you're coming fromcare, psychology, support work, childcare or another people-focused background, this could be the perfect opportunity to take the next step in your career.