Teaching Assistant at SEN School
Location: Cranleigh
Salary: up to A GBP 27,981 FTE (36 hours over 52 weeks) dependent on qualifications and experience
Vacancy Type: Permanent
Do you want to change lives while building a rewarding and meaningful career?
They are looking for compassionate and dedicated Teaching Assistants to join their growing education team at St Josephs Specialist Trust. As student numbers increase, theyre expanding : and this is your chance to be part of a truly special community.
A Teaching Assistant role at the Trust is very different from a mainstream TA position. Youll be working with students aged 5:19 who have severe social communication difficulties, complex learning disabilities and often challenging behaviours. Youll help them access therapy:based education, develop essential life skills and achieve the highest level of independence possible : preparing them for life beyond school or college.
What the Role Involves
* Small classes of 5:11 students, grouped by ability and social needs rather than age.
* Support with core subjects (literacy, numeracy, science) and life skills such as cookery and gardening.
* Helping students communicate using Makaton, signs, symbols or communication aids through a multi:sensory approach.
* Providing guidance when students feel anxious, emotional or frustrated and supporting them to manage their feelings and behaviour.
* Working as part of a skilled, dedicated and supportive team with comprehensive training and mentoring.
Some students require personal care, for which full training will be provided.
Training and Development
All their TAs take part in a twice:weekly training programme combining theory and practical sessions. This leads to a Teaching Assistant apprenticeship qualification, fully funded by the Trust and approved by the CPD Standards Office.
Before you start, youll complete Team Teach Positive Behaviour Support Training as part of your induction. Ongoing refresher training and support from on:site tutors will help you grow your confidence and skills throughout your career here.
What Youll Bring
You dont need previous experience : theyll provide all the training you need. What matters most if your empathy, compassion and resilience, along with a can do attitude.
Youll also need:
* Literacy and numeracy skills to support student learning and complete essential records and forms.
* Common sense to work safely and effectively as part of a team.
* Strong communication skills with children, families and professionals.
* Patience and calm under pressure when supporting young people who display complex or challenging behaviours.
* A sufficient level of mental, physical and emotional resilience to meet the demands of the role.
You must also be prepared to provide personal care for students who require assistance.
Working Hours
36 hours per week:
* Monday: 8:30 : 16:00
* Tuesday : Thursday: 8:30 : 16:15
* Friday: 8:30 : 15:45
They cannot accommodate reduced daily hours, but they can consider part:time work (3+ days per week) : them to discuss.
Salary and Progression
Teaching Assistant salary (pro rata for term time, 39 weeks + CPD days):
* A GBP 20,224 : A GBP 21,032 (A GBP 23,580 : A GBP 24,521 FTE)
* Rising to A GBP 21,851 : A GBP 23,999 (A GBP 25,476 : A GBP 27,981 FTE) for Senior Teaching Assistant after completing the apprenticeship (funded by us) and two years with the Trust.
You can also progress to Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) roles:
* Unqualified HLTA: A GBP 23,999 (A GBP 27,981 FTE)
* Qualified HLTA: A GBP 27,715 (A GBP 32,313 FTE)
All salaries include the 2025 cost:of:living increase (effective April 1 st, 2025).
Why Join St Josephs?
They offer a supportive, inclusive and rewarding workplace with a clear focus on your wellbeing and growth.
Their benefits include:
* Fully funded, nationally accredited TA qualification (2 years)
* A GBP 1,000 retention bonus (A GBP 250 after 1 month, A GBP