SEND Teaching Assistant

Full Job Description

At OFG Education we believe in creating a better work life balance!

Job Title:   Teaching Assistant
Location:   Hambrook School, Burgess Hill, West Sussex
Hours:        37.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 8.00am - 4.00pm 
Salary:       £23,080.50 per annum (no pro rata)
Contract:   Permanent | Term Time Only
Start:         October 2026
UK applicants only – no sponsorship available

About the Role

Looking for a career where your patience, positivity and encouragement can make a real difference to a young person's life? At Hambrook School, we're looking for a caring, enthusiastic and dedicated Teaching Assistant to join our supportive team and help students with autism and additional needs discover their strengths, build confidence and achieve their potential.

This is more than helping in the classroom. It's about being someone who believes in a young person, celebrates their achievements and encourages them to take that next step, even when things feel challenging.

Every day will bring something different. You might be helping a student overcome a barrier to learning, supporting an exciting outdoor activity or encouraging them to develop the confidence and independence to try something new.

You'll work closely with teachers and colleagues to create a safe, nurturing and engaging environment where students feel understood, valued and supported to succeed.

If you're looking for a rewarding role where no two days are the same and every achievement matters, this could be the opportunity for you.

Who we are looking for

You will be adaptable and ready to work in a variety of classroom roles, both indoors and outside according to individual need. Taking a responsive and caring approach, you may be running classroom activities, leading outdoor experiences, or supervising students as they explore further afield.

Our schools are built on great teamwork and mutual support. If you enjoy working as part of a dedicated team, sharing knowledge, experience and learning, simply fill in our safeguarding-compliant application form and a member of our team will be in touch.

What You'll Be Doing

• Help students succeed, providing tailored support to young people with autism and additional needs, helping them access learning and achieve personal goals.
• Bring learning to life, supporting engaging classroom activities, practical lessons, outdoor learning and enrichment opportunities.
• Build positive relationships, becoming a trusted and encouraging presence who helps students feel safe, confident and ready to learn.
• Support emotional wellbeing, responding calmly and compassionately to individual needs and helping students manage challenges.
• Encourage independence, helping young people develop communication, social skills and confidence in everyday situations.
• Celebrate progress, recognising achievements, encouraging positive behaviour and helping students believe in their abilities.
• Work as part of a supportive team, collaborating with teachers and colleagues to provide consistent, personalised support.
• Create a positive learning environment, promoting inclusion, safeguarding and opportunities for every student to thrive.

Who We’re Looking For

We're looking for someone who brings the right attitude, enthusiasm and a genuine desire to make a difference.

You'll bring:

• GCSE English and Maths (or equivalent) – essential.
• A caring, patient and compassionate approach to supporting children and young people.
• The ability to build positive, trusting relationships with students and colleagues.
• A calm, resilient and adaptable attitude when faced with challenges.
• Strong communication skills and a willingness to work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Enthusiasm for supporting learning in different environments, including classrooms, outdoor activities and educational visits.
• A positive, proactive approach to encouraging confidence, independence and personal development.
• A commitment to safeguarding, inclusion and student wellbeing.

You don't need to have worked in a specialist school before. If you've gained transferable skills through education, childcare, care, youth work, customer service or another people-focused role, we'd welcome your application.

About Our School

Hambrook School is an independent specialist school in Burgess Hill, West Sussex, for students aged 5–18 with autism and an EHCP.

Opened in 2023 and rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted, we provide a structured, safe and nurturing environment. Small classes and highly personalised programmes enable students to engage, progress and enjoy learning. Through rich curriculum experiences and bespoke support, we help every young person achieve their full potential.

We are proud to be a part of OFG Education who in 2025 were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.

Why Join Us?

We place students and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
• “Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support and physical health checks
• Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:
• Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
• Hundreds of UK and international discounts
• Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

OFG Education is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, OFG Education does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.

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