SEN Teaching Assistant, AD WARRIOR

SEN Teaching Assistant

Location: Cranleigh, Surrey

Salary: Earn up to £27,981 FTE (36 hours over 52 weeks) as a Teaching Assistant at the Specialist Trust dependent on qualifications and experience

Make a Difference Every Day
Do you want to change lives while building a rewarding and meaningful career?

They are looking for compassionate and dedicated Teaching Assistants to join their growing education team at the Specialist Trust. As student numbers increase, they’re expanding – and this is your chance to be part of a truly special community.

A Teaching Assistant role at the Trust is very different from a mainstream TA position. You’ll be working with students aged 5‑19 who have severe social communication difficulties, complex learning disabilities and often challenging behaviours. You’ll help them access therapy‑based education, develop essential life skills and achieve the highest level of independence possible – preparing them for life beyond school or college.

• Small classes of 8‑13 students, grouped by ability and social needs rather than age.
• Support with core subjects (literacy, numeracy, PSHE) and daily living skills.
• Helping students communicate using Makaton, signs, symbols or communication aids through a multi‑sensory approach.
• Providing guidance when students feel anxious, emotional or frustrated and supporting them to manage their feelings and behaviour.
• Working as part of a skilled, dedicated and supportive team with comprehensive training and mentoring.

Some students require personal care, for which full training will be provided.

At the Trust, learning never stops.

All of their TAs take part in a twice‑weekly training programme combining theory and practical sessions. This leads to a Teaching Assistant apprenticeship qualification, fully funded by the Trust and approved by the CPD Standards Office.

Before you start, you’ll complete Team Teach Positive Behaviour Support Training as part of your induction. Ongoing refresher training and support from on‑site tutors will help you grow your confidence and skills throughout your career here.

You don’t need previous experience to apply – they’ll provide all the training you need. What matters most is your empathy, compassion and resilience, along with a ‘can do’ attitude.

You’ll also need:

• Literacy and numeracy skills to support student learning and complete essential records and forms.
• Common sense to work safely and effectively as part of a team.
• Strong communication skills with children, families and professionals.
• Patience and calm under pressure when supporting young people who display complex or challenging behaviours.
• A sufficient level of mental, physical and emotional resilience to meet the demands of the role.

You must also be prepared to provide personal care for students who require assistance to stay clean and comfortable.

36 hours per week:

• Monday: 8:30 – 16:00
• Tuesday – Thursday: 8:30 – 16:15
• Friday: 8:30 – 15:45
• 30 minutes admin time per week

They cannot accommodate reduced daily hours, but they can consider part‑time work (3+ days per week) – please contact them to discuss.

Teaching Assistant salary (pro rata for term time, 39 weeks + CPD days):

• £20,224 – £21,032 (£23,580 – £24,521 FTE)
• Rising to £21,851 – £23,999 (£25,476 – £27,981 FTE) for Senior Teaching Assistant after completing the apprenticeship (funded by them) and two years with the Trust.

You can also progress to Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) roles:

• Unqualified HLTA: £23,999 (£27,981 FTE)
• Qualified HLTA: £27,715 (£32,313 FTE)

All salaries include the 2025 cost‑of‑living increase (effective April 1st, 2025).

They offer a supportive, inclusive and rewarding workplace with a clear focus on your wellbeing and growth.

Their benefits include:

• Fully funded, nationally accredited TA qualification (2 years)
• £1,000 retention bonus (£250 after 1 month, £250 after 1 year, £500 after 18 months)
• Life Assurance and Medical Cash Plan (after qualifying period)
• Annual Team Teach refresher training and ongoing inclusion support.
• Personalised CPD, regular 1:1 line management and online appraisals
• Fre…