Job description
Prospero Teaching is looking for calm, patient, and resilient Special School Support Assistants (SSSAs) to join a specialist school in Dibden, supporting pupils aged 8-16 with a wide range of complex needs. The school provides highly individualised support for children and young people with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs, communication and interaction differences, autism, and associated challenging behaviour.
The school welcomes applications from candidates seeking full‑time roles as well as ad‑hoc supply opportunities, including day‑to‑day, short‑term, and long‑term cover. This is an excellent option for individuals looking for flexible, meaningful work within a nurturing specialist environment.
This role is ideal for someone passionate about helping children who benefit from consistent, relational, trauma‑informed support to feel safe, build trust, and make progress both emotionally and academically.
Key Responsibilities
1. Providing tailored support to pupils aged 8-16 with SEMH needs, communication differences, autism, or complex learning profiles
2. Supporting young people who may experience anxiety, emotional dysregulation, or difficulties with transitions, routines, and social interaction
3. Encouraging engagement through therapeutic, creative, practical, and differentiated learning activities
4. Promoting emotional wellbeing, safety, and positive behaviour throughout the school day
5. Supporting pupils with communication, emotional regulation, social development, and building independence
6. Using calm, consistent, and relational approaches to build trust and reduce barriers to learning
7. Working collaboratively with teachers, pastoral teams, and therapeutic staff to provide holistic, child‑centred support
Contract Details
8. Location: Dibden
9. Position: Special School Support Assistant (SSSA)
10. Start Date: ASAP
11. Contract Type: Full‑time with temp‑to‑perm pathways available; ad‑hoc supply opportunities also offered
12. Working Hours: 08:30 – 15:30
13. Pay Rate: From £14 per hour
Requirements
To be considered, you must:
14. Have the Right to Work in the UK
15. Hold an enhanced child‑barred list DBS on the Update Service (or be willing to apply)
16. Provide professional references covering the last 24 months
17. Hold a Level 2/3 qualification in childcare, education, health & social care, or have relevant SEN/SEMH experience
What We Offer
18. Free accredited CPD, including safeguarding, behaviour support, and de‑escalation
19. Access to our specialist in‑house Training & Development Team
20. Ongoing support from a dedicated SEN consultant
21. A welcoming, supportive school environment with strong staff culture and clear progression opportunities
Refer a Friend
Know someone who would thrive in a specialist SEMH setting? You can earn a referral bonus for every successful recommendation through our Refer a Friend scheme (T&Cs apply).