Job Description
Special School Support Assistant - Secondary (Portsmouth)
A specialist secondary SEN school in Portsmouth is seeking calm, patient, and resilient Special School Support Assistants to join their dedicated team. The school supports pupils aged 11-16 with a wide range of complex needs, including autism, learning difficulties, sensory processing differences, communication challenges, and barriers that affect emotional regulation and engagement.
The school also welcomes applications from staff seeking flexible work, including day-to-day, short-term, and long-term supply opportunities-ideal for those wanting varied experience within a nurturing SEN environment.
Key Responsibilities
* Providing personalised support to pupils with autism, sensory needs, communication differences, and complex learning profiles
* Supporting young people who may experience anxiety, emotional dysregulation, sensory overload, or difficulties with transitions, routines, and social interactions
* Encouraging engagement through practical, creative, therapeutic, and differentiated learning activities suited to secondary-age learners
* Promoting emotional wellbeing, safety, and positive behaviour throughout the school day
* Supporting pupils with communication, emotional regulation, social understanding, independence, and life-skills development
* Building trusting, consistent relationships using calm, clear, and supportive communication
* Working collaboratively with teachers, therapists, pastoral teams, and external professionals to deliver holistic, person-centred support
Contract Details
* Location: Portsmouth
* Position: Special School Support Assistant
* Start Date: September 2026
* Contract Type: Full-time with temp-to-perm pathways available; ad-hoc supply roles also offered
* Working Hours: 08:30am - 15:30pm
* Pay Rate: From £14.25 per hour
Requirements
You must:
* Have the Right to Work in the UK
* Hold an enhanced child-barred list DBS on the Update Service (or be willing to apply)
* Provide professional references covering the last 24 months
* Hold a Level 2/3 qualification in childcare, education, or health & social care or have relevant SEN experience supporting young people with complex needs
What We Offer
* Free accredited CPD, including safeguarding, behaviour support, and de-escalation
* Access to a specialist in-house Training & Development Team
* Ongoing support from a dedicated SEN consultant
* A warm, inclusive school environment with strong staff culture and opportunities for progression
Refer a Friend
Know someone who would thrive in a specialist SEN setting? You can earn a referral bonus for every successful recommendation (T&Cs apply).