Teaching Assistant (Alternative Provision)

Pink Tile Education Ltd; Lancing; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 20,000; Full time

Job summary

Pink Tile Education is seeking a dedicated Teaching Assistant to support secondary SEMH pupils in an Alternative Provision setting in Lancing. You will work closely with teachers and therapists to build trust, support learning, and reinforce emotional wellbeing during the school day.

Experience with SEND or SEMH is preferred. You will help students re-engage with education, monitor progress, and contribute to individual support plans alongside pastoral staff.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting secondary students with SEND/SEMH.
• Understanding of mental health and trauma-informed approaches.
• Ability to manage challenging behaviour calmly and positively.
• Strong communication and relationship-building with students and staff.

Responsibilities

• Build positive relationships with students and support SEMH needs throughout the day.
• Encourage engagement in learning with patience and encouragement.
• Support development of confidence, resilience and emotional wellbeing.
• Collaborate with teachers and pastoral staff on individual support plans.
• Support students in and out of the classroom and help with re-engagement.

Skills

SEND/SEMH experience

Mental health awareness

Communication skills

Behaviour management

Empathy

Job description

Teaching Assistant – Secondary SEMH Alternative Provision

Location: Lancing, West Sussex
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am - 3:30pm (Term Time Only)
Pay: £100 per day
Contract: Full-Time | Temporary to Permanent Opportunity

Do you have experience supporting young people with SEND or SEMH? Are you passionate about helping students overcome barriers to education and reach their full potential?

Pink Tile Education is working in partnership with a fantastic Alternative Provision in Lancing, seeking a dedicated and resilient Teaching Assistant to join their supportive team.

This setting supports secondary-aged students who have experienced significant challenges in their education. Many of the young people have been school refusers, experienced trauma, struggle with their mental health, or have found it difficult to access mainstream education due to their social, emotional and mental health needs.

This role is about far more than supporting learning. Your first priority will be building genuine relationships, earning trust, and creating a safe environment where students feel valued and understood. Once those foundations are in place, you'll support them to re-engage with education, develop confidence, and celebrate every achievement - no matter how small.

Working alongside experienced teachers and therapeutic staff, you'll help implement strategies that improve emotional regulation, resilience and self-esteem, with the long-term aim of preparing students to successfully return to mainstream education where appropriate.

What You'll Be Doing

• Building positive, trusting relationships with students.

• Supporting pupils with SEMH needs throughout the school day.

• Encouraging engagement in learning through patience, consistency and encouragement.

• Managing and de-escalating challenging behaviour using positive behaviour strategies.

• Supporting students both in and out of the classroom.

• Helping to develop confidence, resilience and emotional wellbeing.

• Working closely with teachers and the wider pastoral team to deliver individual support plans.

What We're Looking For

• Experience working with children or young people with SEND and/or SEMH.

• A strong understanding of mental health and trauma-informed approaches.

• Confidence managing challenging behaviour in a calm and positive manner.

• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

• Resilience, empathy and a genuine passion for making a difference.

• Someone who can be a positive role model and remain patient, consistent and encouraging.

Why Join This School?

• Small class sizes allowing you to build meaningful relationships.

• A welcoming, experienced and supportive team.

• Excellent opportunities for professional development.

• A genuinely rewarding role where no two days are the same.

• Temporary to permanent opportunities for the right candidate.

If you're looking for a role where you can have a lasting impact on the lives of vulnerable young people and help them rediscover a love of learning, we'd love to hear from you.

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.