Apply Your Knowledge: SEN Teaching Assistant : Foundational Role in Specialised Secondary Education
Are you a Psychology Graduate with practical experience as a Teaching Assistant? Leverage your academic foundation in child development, cognitive science, and behavioural theory in a high:impact, specialist setting.
We are working with a brand new secondary school (ages 11:16) in Chaldon, Surrey (opened September 2025) dedicated to students who require specialised support for social communication, emotional regulation, and sensory processing : typically associated with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC). This is a unique opportunity psychological principles in a live educational environment and shape the schools intervention model from day one.
The Role: Behavioural and Cognitive Support Specialist
As a SEN Teaching Assistant, you will be integral to the delivery of personalised educational and therapeutic strategies within our small:class model, working closely with a supernumerary multi:disciplinary intervention team.
Key Responsibilities Applying Your Psychology Background:
*
Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) Principles: Implement and monitor personalised, positive behaviour management plans, using data:informed, tailored approaches to support students emotional regulation and adaptive behaviour.
*
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL): Facilitate the development of social communication skills, understanding the underlying cognitive and emotional barriers faced by students with ASC.
*
Sensory and Environmental Adaptation: Use your knowledge of sensory processing to help adapt the learning environment and curriculum delivery, ensuring optimal engagement and minimising sensory overload.
*
Assessment and Observation: Conduct systematic observations and provide detailed feedback to the teaching and therapeutic staff, contributing to the formulation and review of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
*
Curriculum Scaffolding: Help translate a broad curriculum into accessible, structured tasks that align with varying cognitive profiles and learning styles.
Compensation and Opportunity
DetailSpecification
LocationRockshaw Road, Chaldon, Surrey (Requirement to work at Caterham satellite site when needed)
Actual Annual SalaryGBP23,210 : GBP24,818 (Dependent on qualifications and relevant TA/Psychology experience)
Welcome BonusGBP1000 Welcome Bonus*
ContractPermanent, Term Time Only (40 hours per week)
Working PatternMonday : Friday (8:15 am start; max 5:00 pm finish)
Growth PotentialExcellent professional development and potential transition into clinical/therapeutic roles within the MDT model.
Your Profile
*
Essential: Degree in Psychology or a related behavioural/social science field.
*
Essential: Previous experience as a Teaching Assistant, demonstrating competence in classroom support, behaviour management, and student engagement.
*
Desirable: Familiarity with concepts like Theory of Mind, Executive Functioning deficits, and specific therapeutic interventions (e.g., CBT, Zones of Regulation) is highly advantageous.
This role offers a structured pathway theory into practice, making it an excellent stepping stone for future educational psychology, clinical, or specialist SEN roles.
Ready to translate your degree into meaningful impact? Apply today.
Contact Paul Hirchfield
*
Phone:
*
Email: