Teaching Assistant - SEMH, Autism & Complex Needs

Prospero Teaching is recruiting for a calm, resilient, and committed Teaching Assistant to join a specialist education setting in the Chichester area. This school supports pupils aged 7-16 with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, alongside a range of additional needs including Autism, ADHD, Attachment Disorders, Anxiety, and Speech & Language delay.

This is a full-time, long-term opportunity for someone who is passionate about supporting neurodivergent young people in a structured, therapeutic, and child-centred environment.

Please note: There are limited public transport links, so applicants must have their own car and live within a reasonable distance of Chichester.

Key Responsibilities

• Providing consistent support to pupils with SEMH, autism, and additional learning needs
• Supporting pupils within a class group or on a 1:1 basis, depending on need
• Helping pupils with emotional regulation, communication, sensory needs, and engagement in learning
• Encouraging independence, confidence, and positive routines
• Using calm, clear, and consistent communication to build trusting relationships
• Working collaboratively with teachers, therapists, and pastoral staff
• Being flexible to support different year groups where required

Contract Details

• Location: Chichester
• Position: Teaching Assistant - SEMH, Autism & Complex Needs
• Start Date: ASAP
• Contract Type: Full-time, Long-term / Permanent
• Pay Rate: From £14.25 per hour
• Working Hours:
  • Monday-Thursday: 08:15-15:20
  • Every other Thursday extended to 16:20
  • Friday: 08:15-14:05
• Weeks Worked: 39 weeks per year

Requirements

Applications will only be considered if the following criteria are met:

• Own car and ability to travel to site daily
• Enhanced Child & Adult DBS on the Update Service (Child-only DBS accepted)
• GCSE Maths & English (Grade C / Level 4 or above) - evidence required
• Availability for full-time hours
• Experience supporting SEN or SEMH is advantageous but not essential
• Applications from ad-hoc supply staff are also welcomed

What We Offer

• Free accredited CPD, including safeguarding, behaviour management, and de-escalation
• Access to our specialist in-house Training & Development Team
• Ongoing support from a dedicated SEN consultant
• A supportive, structured environment with opportunities for professional growth

Next Steps

If you meet the above requirements and would like to be considered, please send an up-to-date copy of your CV.