Teaching Assistant

Positive-Futures-Recruitment; Horsham; On-site; GBP 22,996 - 24,568; Full time

Job summary

Positive Futures Recruitment is seeking a compassionate Teaching Assistant in Horsham to support autistic students aged 11–16 at a specialist SEND secondary school. The role focuses on a therapeutic, neurodiversity‑aware approach within small classes and a nurturing environment.

You will work with teachers and clinicians, delivering strategies from the clinical team, building relationships, and contributing to safeguarding, wellbeing, and enrichment activities.

Qualifications

• Strong written and verbal English and confident IT skills.
• Empathy and resilience to support students with SEND.
• Interest in psychology and neurodiversity.
• Experience supporting neurodivergent young people.

Responsibilities

• Build strong, trusting relationships with students and prioritise their wellbeing.
• Support learning in class and help personalise each young person’s educational journey.
• Deliver therapeutic strategies and interventions designed by the clinical team.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, therapists and the SENCO.
• Provide regular feedback to parents and professionals.
• Support enrichment activities including outdoor learning, swimming, sports, visits and community projects.

Skills

English proficiency

Empathy

SEND experience

Neurodiversity knowledge

Education

Interest in psychology

Job description

Teaching Assistant

Location: Horsham

Salary: £22,996 – £24,568 per year (£12.87 – £13.75 per hour)

Hours: 40 hours per week

Contract: Permanent Term time only

Start date: September 2026

A specialist SEND secondary school in the heart of Horsham is seeking a compassionate and committed Teaching Assistant to support autistic young people aged 11–16. The school provides an adapted National Curriculum delivered in small classes, with a strong focus on sensory needs, emotional wellbeing and creating a safe, nurturing environment.

Many students join from mainstream settings to access a more personalised and therapeutic approach to learning.

The Role

This is an excellent opportunity for someone passionate about neurodiversity, therapy?informed practice and supporting young people to thrive. You will work closely with teachers, therapists and clinicians, helping to deliver a truly integrated model of support.

You will:

• Build strong, trusting relationships with students and prioritise their wellbeing
• Support learning in class and help personalise each young person’s educational journey
• Deliver therapeutic strategies and interventions designed by the clinical team
• Work collaboratively with teachers, therapists and the SENCO
• Provide regular feedback to parents and professionals
• Support enrichment activities including outdoor learning, swimming, sports, visits and community projects

You will be a key part of school life, contributing to a culture that celebrates neurodiversity and supports every student to succeed.

About You

We are looking for someone who demonstrates:

• A strong interest in therapy and neuro?affirmative practice
• A qualification or genuine interest in psychology
• Experience supporting young people, particularly those with SEND
• Experience supporting neurodivergent individuals
• Resourcefulness, resilience and a growth mindset
• A good level of general education

You must also have:

This section outlines the essential qualities and experience required for the role.

• Strong written and verbal English and confident IT skills
• Empathy and resilience to support young people who may experience high anxiety, self?harm behaviours, ARFID, disordered eating or other mental health needs
• Commitment to becoming a neuro?informed, neuro?affirmative practitioner
• Outstanding pastoral and safeguarding practice

What is on offer:

• Small classes and the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with students
• Time, support and training to prioritise safeguarding, pastoral care and wellbeing
• Daily collaboration with an onsite clinical team including a Clinical Psychologist, Occupational Therapist and Speech & Language Therapist
• Opportunities to contribute to research supporting the wider neurodivergent community
• A rare chance to help shape a new school and create a culture that will transform the lives of young people and their families