We are seeking Teaching Assistants to support our growing student numbers at a specialist school and college located in Cranleigh, Surrey.
This isn't a mainstream TA position; you'll be joining a dedicated team supporting students aged 5-19 who have severe social communication difficulties, complex learning disabilities, and often challenging behaviours. Your compassion and guidance will help students access therapy-based education, achieve the greatest possible level of independence, and prepare for life beyond school or college.
The Role
Small Class Sizes: Classes have between 5 and 11 students, grouped by ability and social needs.
Diverse Curriculum: Students follow a mix of structured and personalised timetables, learning core skills (numeracy, literacy, science) as well as life and living skills (cookery, gardening).
Communication: Some students are non-verbal and use alternative methods like Makaton, signs, symbols, or communication aids, often through a multi-sensory approach.
Support & Guidance: You will help students manage their feelings and behaviour when they become frustrated, anxious, or emotional.
Personal Care: You must be prepared to provide personal care for some students to help them stay clean and comfortable (full training will be given).
What We Are Looking For:
No experience is required to apply-but empathy and compassion are essential.
We need staff with:
Physical and mental resilience and a "can do" attitude.
Literacy and Numeracy Skills to support learning and complete documentation (like medication forms, risk assessments, and reports).
Common Sense to work in a team and dynamically risk assess challenging situations.
Effective Communication skills with children, families, and professionals.
Patience to adapt to each young person's pace and remain calm when faced with challenging behaviours.
Salary, Hours, and Benefits
Salary: Earn up to £27,981 FTE depending on qualifications and experience. The actual pro-rata term-time salary starts at £20,224 - £21,032.
Retention Bonus: An additional £1,000 Retention Bonus is paid out over 18 months.
Working Hours: 36 hours per week, term time.
Monday: 08:30-16:00
Tuesday-Thursday: 08:30-16:15
Friday: 08:30-15:45
Flexibility: We can accommodate working less than 5 days per week (ideally 3 or more) but cannot accommodate reduced hours per day.
Excellent Career and Training Opportunities
Paid Qualification: All TAs participate in a twice-weekly training package leading to a nationally accredited teaching apprentice qualification, paid for by the Trust
Career Progression: Opportunity to rise to Senior Teaching Assistant (with an FTE salary up to £27,981) after completing the apprenticeship and 2 years with the Trust. You can also apply for Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) roles when available, with qualified HLTA starting salaries from £27,715 pro-rata (£32,313 FTE).
Induction Training: Comprehensive training includes safeguarding, autism, and Team Teach positive behaviour support training (required as part of induction).
Additional Benefits: Free hot lunch during term time, ample free on-site parking, Life Assurance, Medical Cashplan (after a qualifying period), and an Employee Assistance Service.
The school is based on a beautiful 23-acre site in a semi-rural area on the edge of the Surrey Hills, making own transport desirable.
How to Apply:
If you have the empathy and resilience to guide our students, we encourage you to apply and build a rewarding career
If you are interested in this opportunity and would like to hear more, please apply now and someone will get straight back to you, or call Paul Hirchfield on 01293 527416 paul.hirchfield@randstadeducation.co.uk
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