Teaching Assistant

Teaching Assistant - SEND

Location: Horsham, West Sussex
Salary: 22,996 - 24,568 per annum ( 12.87 - 13.75 per hour), depending on experience
Contract: Permanent, Full-Time, Term Time Only
Hours: 40 hours per week
Start Date: September 2026

About the Role

Simply Education are excited to be working with a brand new specialist SEND secondary setting in Horsham, supporting autistic young people aged 11-16.

We are looking for a caring, resilient and enthusiastic Teaching Assistant to support students' learning, wellbeing and personal development within a small-class, highly supportive environment.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to develop a career in SEND, education or therapeutic support, with extensive training and the opportunity to work closely with an onsite clinical team.

Key Responsibilities

• Build strong, trusting relationships with students and prioritise their wellbeing and individual needs.
• Provide proactive support with learning within small classes and help personalise students' education.
• Work closely with the SENCO, teachers and clinical team to implement therapeutic strategies and interventions.
• Support students with their emotional wellbeing, communication and engagement.
• Provide regular feedback to parents, carers and other professionals.
• Contribute to enrichment activities including sports, swimming, outdoor learning, community projects and visits.
• Maintain excellent standards of pastoral care and safeguarding.
• Support students in developing confidence, independence and positive outcomes.

What We're Looking For

We are keen to hear from candidates who have:

• Experience supporting young people, particularly those with SEND or neurodivergent needs, or the potential and willingness to learn quickly.
• A genuine interest in psychology, therapy or therapeutic approaches.
• Empathy, resilience and a positive growth mindset.
• Strong communication, IT and general education skills.
• The ability to support young people who may experience anxiety, mental health difficulties and complex behaviours.
• A commitment to developing as a neuro-informed and neuro-affirmative practitioner.
• Excellent pastoral and safeguarding practice.
• A proactive, resourceful and team-focused approach.

Why Apply?

• Work in small classes where you can build meaningful relationships with students.
• Receive extensive training and professional development.
• Work alongside an onsite clinical team, including psychology, occupational therapy and speech and language professionals.
• Gain valuable experience in SEND, therapeutic education and neurodiversity.
• Play a key role in developing a growing specialist setting and making a genuine difference to young people's lives.

Apply today through Simply Education to find out more.