Job Description:
Specialist SEN Teaching Assistant: Help Build a New Standard of Care and Education Location: Chaldon, Surrey (Excellent links near Caterham/Whyteleafe) Are you an experienced SEN practitioner ready to apply your expertise in a clinical and collaborative environment? We invite you to join the founding staff of a premium, purpose-built Special Educational Needs (SEN) Secondary School, which launched in September 2025. This is a rare chance to bring your established skills to a new setting and influence the school's culture and success from its inception. The Specialist Role This new provision is dedicated to supporting young people aged 11-16 with complex needs related to social communication, emotional regulation, and sensory processing, typically associated with Autism. The model is highly structured, featuring small class sizes, exceptional classroom support ratios, and a fully integrated multi-disciplinary intervention team (including therapists and clinical specialists). The Teaching Assistant (TA) is a vital, senior support role focused on the practical application of tailored therapeutic and educational strategies. Your Core Contributions: Strategic Support: Serving as a key operational link between classroom delivery and the multi-disciplinary team, helping pupils achieve their full learning and wellbeing potential. Complex Behaviour Management: Utilizing deep experience to expertly manage and adapt responses to behaviours that challenge, promoting stability, concentration, and a safe environment. Care and Independence: Confidently supporting necessary care needs and implementing strategies to foster independence and personal development. Curriculum Implementation: Collaborating with teachers to implement and adjust sophisticated learning activities that reinforce curriculum concepts within the context of a student's therapeutic plan. Professional Feedback: Providing detailed, nuanced feedback on pupil progress, behavioural data, and relationships to inform ongoing educational and therapeutic strategies. Safeguarding Leadership: Championing the highest standards of Safeguarding principles and Child Protection procedures across the provision. Qualities of a Successful Specialist We are seeking professionals who can hit the ground running, bringing a wealth of practical experience and a commitment to specialist SEN practice. Essential Experience & Qualifications: Proven, substantial experience working within a relevant SEND Provision (e.g., Autism, SEMH, complex needs). Demonstrated expertise in managing a complex range of approaches to behaviours that challenge. Comprehensive understanding of Safeguarding and Child Protection procedures. Minimum Grade 4 (or equivalent) in GCSE Maths and English. Highly Valued (Specialist/Advanced Skillset): A relevant qualification such as an L2/L3 award in supporting teaching and learning in schools or equivalent. Prior experience working within a multi-cultural, inclusive setting. Familiarity with clinical approaches (e.g., trauma-informed practice, sensory integration principles, communication aids). A Generous Benefits Package for Experienced Professionals Your commitment to our mission is secured by a robust package of professional and personal benefits: Financial Security: Enhanced Pension and Life Assurance. Professional Development: Fully funded training and qualifications to support continuous professional specialism and career advancement. Health and Lifestyle: Free membership to our Health Cash Back Plan (claim back money on services such as dental, optical, and physiotherapy), Perkbox (offering high street discounts), and an Employee Assistance Programme. Commuting Ease: Car lease scheme, Bike to work scheme, and Free parking. Contact Us to Discuss This Opportunity
