SEN Teaching Assistant - Launch Your Career in Specialist Education
Location: Near Cranleigh, Surrey (Dunsfold Airfield) - Driving is essential
Working Pattern: Term-time only (includes 56 days of holiday)
The Opportunity Are you highly resilient, empathetic, and looking for a career where you can make a tangible difference every single day?
We are recruiting dedicated SEN Teaching Assistants for a pioneering specialist school. This role is the perfect entry point into the world of Special Educational Needs (SEN). Whether you have personal experience with autism, a background in care, or a strong interest in psychology, this role offers exceptional, fully-funded training. For the right candidates, this position can act as a springboard to higher-level roles, including funded pathways to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
Alongside the profound job satisfaction of helping autistic children and young adults thrive, you will enjoy a highly supportive team environment, 56 days of holiday, and access to a dedicated staff break room (complete with a mini-fridge and massage chair!).
About the Setting
You will join a specialist day school and adult education centre based on a unique, spacious site at Dunsfold Airfield, near Cranleigh. The highly resourced, predominantly indoor environment is tailored to accelerate learning. Facilities include specially equipped classrooms, adjoining sensory rooms, trampolines, and a yoga room.
Class sizes are kept exceptionally small (maximum 6 to 8 students) and group learners by ability rather than age, ensuring every pupil receives the focused attention they deserve.
Our Methodology (The "Marmite" Filter)
We proudly utilise Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) and are a certified CABAS® provider.
This is a scientific, highly data-driven approach to education. You will be responsible for continuously "graphing" and tracking learner progress throughout the day. We break new skills down into manageable steps, heavily utilise positive reinforcement, and celebrate every single micro-victory. If you possess an analytical mind and find joy in seeing measurable, evidence-based progress, you will thrive here.
The Realities of the Role
We believe in honesty so that you are fully prepared for the realities of the classroom.
Working on a 1:1 basis or in small groups, you will face and manage challenging behaviours. Crucially, our approach is strictly positive; we never use physical restraints on any of our students, relying entirely on proactive support and expert de-escalation techniques.
Additionally, you will be required to provide intimate personal care, such as feeding or toileting, daily. The role is physically demanding, involving twisting, stooping, working at lower heights, and actively engaging in breaktime duties and off-site community visits.
Key Responsibilities
Provide dedicated 1:1 and small group support to autistic learners to help them achieve their daily educational and developmental goals.
Accurately record, track, and graph behavioural and academic data in real-time using our ABA methodology.
Deliver dignified and compassionate intimate personal care.
Proactively manage and de-escalate challenging behaviours using taught positive reinforcement techniques (strictly no physical interventions).
Assist in setting up classrooms, sensory activities, and accompanying learners on community visits.
What We Are Looking For
While welcome, you do not need SEN experience to apply. We hire based on human characteristics and potential.
Qualifications: A minimum of a Grade C/4 (or equivalent) at GCSE in English Language and Maths.
Characteristics: Boundless emotional resilience, deep empathy, an interest in data/psychology, and the ability to remain calm and positive in high-pressure situations.
Transport: Due to the unique rural location at Dunsfold Airfield, you must be able to commute reliably.
Safeguarding & Compliance
We are deeply committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and adults at risk.
All applicants will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Our vetting process is extraordinarily strict: all gaps in your education or employment history must be fully accounted for, and you must provide reasons for leaving all previous employment.
Applicants must hold the right to work in the UK with no visas expiring within the next 12 months.
Share your CV and take a big step in the direction of your new career!
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