Teaching Assistant : Specialist Independent School (Lewes, East Sussex)
Are you a resilient, compassionate, and dedicated individual looking to make a real difference in the lives of young people?
We are an independent specialist school in Lewes, East Sussex, committed to providing a high:quality, therapeutic, and child:centred education for pupils aged 10 to 19. Our students have Social, Emotional, and Mental Health needs (SEMH), and many also have associated Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) such as Autism, ADHD, and communication difficulties.
About The Role:
This is a varied and challenging, yet incredibly rewarding, role within a trauma and attachment:informed organisation. You will be part of a dedicated team that places the child at the centre of all decision:making, working collaboratively with education and therapy professionals, parents/carers, and local authority teams to secure outstanding outcomes for our students.
As a Teaching Assistant, you will quickly learn that no two days are the same, and no two children are the same. We are seeking exceptional individuals who can support children with complex and challenging behaviours. You will understand that our students require significant attention, specific communication strategies, consistency, flexibility, and a non:judgemental approach. Resilience, persistence, and a solution:focused mindset are crucial to meeting the needs of our pupils. Be prepared to wear many hats and adapt quickly
Key Responsibilities:
* Support teaching and learning in the classroom.
* Work with children on a 1:1 basis or deliver sessions with small groups.
* Manage classroom resources effectively.
* Accompany children on educational trips and visits.
* Support children who struggle socially, including during lunchtimes.
* Utilise a good basic understanding of English and Maths to support student learning.
* Keep children safe, especially during heightened behaviours, through strong behaviour management skills and excellent communication.
* Create, play, and teach games to pupils to develop their social skills or further their learning.
* Design and create amazing displays that support teaching and foster an exceptional learning environment.
* Celebrate the successes of our students.
* Actively participate in therapeutic training sessions and reflect on challenging periods.
We Value Our Teaching Assistants:
You will be a highly valued member of our team, and your input will be crucial in shaping our school. We encourage our TAs to contribute to the development of both our academic curriculum and our extra:curricular activities, bringing their own interests and passions to enrich the students experience.
Essential Requirements:
* Due to the schools location, applicants must hold a valid driving licence and have access to a vehicle.
* A genuine passion for working with children with SEMH and SEND.
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
* A resilient, patient, and empathetic nature.
* The ability to work effectively as part of a team.
* A proactive and solution:focused approach.
Benefits and Rewards:
* The opportunity to develop and grow your career within our community.
* A competitive salary.
* Extensive training and professional qualification opportunities.
* Small class sizes with specialist TA support.
* The chance to be part of an expanding, national organisation that recognises skill, effort, and potential, and nurtures its own leadership teams.
* Flexible pension scheme.
* Regular therapeutic and supportive supervision.
* Access to an employee benefit service with wellbeing services and salary sacrifice schemes.
If you are looking for a challenging and deeply rewarding role where you can genuinely impact the lives of young people, we would love to hear from you.
Please apply now or contact Paul Hirchfield on or email paul.hirchfieldrandstadeducation for mo