Job Description
Special School Support Assistant
A specialist all-through SEN school in Chichester is seeking calm, patient, and resilient Special School Support Assistants to join their dedicated team. The school supports children and young people aged 2-19 with a wide range of complex needs, including autism (ASC), severe learning difficulties (SLD), profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD), sensory processing differences, communication challenges, and barriers that affect emotional regulation and engagement.
The school also welcomes applications from staff seeking flexible work, including day-to-day, short-term, and long-term supply opportunities-ideal for those wanting varied experience within a nurturing, specialist SEN environment.
Key Responsibilities
* Providing personalised support to pupils with autism, sensory needs, communication differences, PMLD, SLD, and complex learning profiles
* Supporting children and young people who may experience anxiety, emotional dysregulation, sensory overload, or difficulties with transitions, routines, and social interactions
* Encouraging engagement through practical, creative, therapeutic, and differentiated learning activities suited to a wide age range, including early years, primary, and secondary learners
* Promoting emotional wellbeing, safety, and positive behaviour throughout the school day
* Supporting pupils with communication, emotional regulation, social understanding, independence, and life-skills development
* Building trusting, consistent relationships using calm, clear, and supportive communication
* Working with teachers, therapists, pastoral teams, and external professionals to deliver holistic, person-centred support
Contract Details
Location: Chichester
Position: Special School Support Assistant
Start Date: September 2026
Contract Type: Full-time with temp-to-perm pathways available; ad-hoc supply roles also offered
Working Hours: 08:45am - 15:15pm
Pay Rate: From £14.25 per hour
Requirements
You must:
* Have the Right to Work in the UK
* Hold an enhanced child-barred list DBS on the Update Service (or be willing to apply)
* Provide professional references covering the last 24 months
* Hold a Level 2/3 qualification in childcare, education, or health & social care or have relevant SEN experience supporting children or young people with complex needs
What We Offer
* Free accredited CPD, including safeguarding, behaviour support, and de-escalation
* Access to a specialist in-house Training & Development Team
* Ongoing support from a dedicated SEN consultant
Refer a Friend
Know someone who would thrive in a specialist SEN setting? You can earn a referral bonus for every successful recommendation (T&Cs apply).
If you are passionate about specialist education and committed to supporting learners with complex autism and additional needs, we would love to hear from you.