SEN Teaching Assistant

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: 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

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