Job description
Position: Teaching Assistant (1:1 / Small Group Support)
Location: Southend-on-Sea
Salary Scale: ££120 per day
Contract Type: Full-time
GSL are seeking passionate, resilient, and proactive Teaching Assistants to support students within a dynamic secondary school setting with a range of additional learning needs, including SEN (Special Educational Needs), SEMH (Social, Emotional & Mental Health needs), ASD, ADHD, speech and language difficulties, and barriers to learning.
This role is based within an Ofsted-rated ‘Outstanding’ school and involves providing tailored 1:1 and small group support across Key Stages 3 and 4, helping students to access the curriculum, develop emotional resilience, build confidence, and achieve both academically and personally.
You will work closely with experienced teachers, SENCOs, pastoral teams, and safeguarding staff within a highly supportive and inclusive environment that prioritises student wellbeing, positive behaviour support, and trauma-informed practice.
If you are an experienced Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant, Behaviour Mentor, Youth Worker, Support Worker, Sports Coach, Psychology Graduate, Criminology Graduate, or an aspiring teacher looking to gain valuable classroom experience, we would love to hear from you.
This is an excellent opportunity for individuals passionate about inclusive education, child development, mental health support, and supporting vulnerable young people to thrive within mainstream education.
You will have opportunities for ongoing professional development and will support students in a range of settings, including:
• In-class support across a range of secondary subjects including English, Maths, Science, and Humanities
• Targeted 1:1 interventions and small group support sessions
• Behaviour mentoring, emotional regulation, and confidence-building strategies
• Supporting students with EHCPs, additional learning needs, and SEMH challenges
• GCSE coursework, exam preparation, and academic intervention support
• Supporting transitions, breaktimes, enrichment activities, educational trips, and extracurricular programmes
• Working collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary pastoral and safeguarding team
As a Teaching Assistant, you will play a vital role in supporting students’ academic progress, emotional wellbeing, and personal development. You will help to create a safe, structured, and nurturing learning environment where every student feels valued, supported, and able to succeed.
Responsibilities:
• Provide high-quality 1:1 and small group support to students with SEN, SEMH, and additional learning needs
• Support students in accessing the secondary curriculum and remaining engaged in lessons
• Assist with the implementation of EHCP targets, intervention strategies, and personalised support plans
• Promote positive behaviour, emotional regulation, and social development
• Build positive and trusting relationships with students, staff, and families
• Work collaboratively with teachers, SENCOs, pastoral staff, and external professionals
• Monitor student progress and provide feedback to teaching staff and support teams
• Support students during lessons, transitions, unstructured times, and enrichment activities where required
• Contribute to a safe, inclusive, trauma-informed, and supportive school environment
Qualifications and Skills:
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to build positive relationships with secondary-aged students
• Patience, empathy, resilience, and adaptability
• Genuine passion for supporting young people with SEN, SEMH, and behavioural needs
• Understanding of safeguarding, child protection, and professional boundaries
• Proactive approach and ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Previous experience within education, youth work, care, coaching, mentoring, or support work is desirable but not essential
What We Offer:
• Competitive daily pay rates
• A highly supportive and collaborative secondary school environment
• Ongoing CPD, safeguarding, and SEN training opportunities
• Valuable experience for aspiring teachers, psychologists, therapists, and education professionals
• Opportunities for long-term progression within education and specialist support roles
• Dedicated consultant support throughout your placement
This is a fantastic opportunity to make a genuine difference in the lives of young people, supporting them both academically and emotionally during a crucial stage of their education and development.
Please be advised that this role requires a strong knowledge and understanding of safeguarding and child protection, and successful applicants must satisfy all background safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS on the update service.
If you are interested in this role, please click ‘apply now’ to submit your full and up-to-date CV, and one of our dedicated consultants will be in touch within 24 hours.