SEND Teaching Assistant

Location: Littlehampton
Job Title: SEN Teaching Assistant (SEMH & Attachment Needs – KS2)
Hours: Gradual increase from part-time (child currently in school mornings online) toward full-time (Term Time Only)

A primary school in Littlehampton is seeking a highly experienced SEN Teaching Assistant to provide 1:1 support for a KS2 child with significant Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs and attachment challenges. This role requires a patient, nurturing, and adaptable professional who can build trust with the child and provide a calm, structured, and supportive environment that prioritises their emotional well-being.

Unlike a traditional teaching assistant role, this position does not focus on a strict curriculum, but rather on supporting the child through play-based and interest-led strategies, reducing anxiety, and fostering a sense of security within the school setting. The child is currently in school for mornings only, with hours increasing gradually toward full-time. The successful candidate must be comfortable with personal care needs, attachment-based strategies, and managing avoidance behaviours to help the child engage with school in a positive and meaningful way.

Key Responsibilities:

• Build a trusting relationship through consistent and patient interaction
• Use play and interest-based strategies to engage the child rather than following a strict academic focus
• Provide a calm, structured, and nurturing environment to reduce anxiety and create a sense of security
• Adapt learning activities to suit the child’s attainment level
• Assist with toileting and hygiene needs, understanding the child’s high anxiety and potential smearing issues
• Use discreet and sensitive approaches when managing personal care tasks
• Implement attachment-aware strategies to support the child’s emotional regulation and engagement
• Understand and respond to Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) traits using effective de-escalation techniques
• Support the child’s participation in “hub” sessions during the afternoon, ensuring a smooth transition from morning activities
• Work closely with class teachers, SENCO, and external professionals to coordinate the child’s support
• Follow and adapt the bespoke, structured timetable designed to help the child engage in the school day

Essential Experience/Attributes:

• Extensive experience working with children with SEMH needs and attachment difficulties
• Knowledge of attachment-based strategies, de-escalation techniques, and play-based engagement
• A DBS check registered on the update service or a willingness to obtain one
• Patient, calm, and empathetic approach to supporting high-anxiety pupils
• Willingness to work flexible hours as the child’s school attendance increases
• Experience supporting personal care in a way that promotes dignity and confidence
• The ability to be adaptable, responsive, and non-confrontational when working with children who may refuse tasks or disengage
• Must be able to understand and follow the school’s safeguarding procedures and behavioural policies

If you are interested or wish to discuss this role further apply now!

*Important Notice: To successfully apply for the above position, you should be eligible to work in the UK or hold a relevant work visa. Safeguarding, quality and integrity are at the heart of what we do. Pink Tile is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people within education. During the application process, you will be required to:

• Provide details for us to complete reference checks before employment.
• Provide an Enhanced DBS on the update service or be willing to obtain one (which Pink Tile can assist with).

Pink Tile Education, their schools and candidates all share the view of “Best Fit, Every Time” and our role is to ensure that every candidate we place has a positive impact on the team of their new employers. Please note the pay is inclusive of the 12.07% PAYE holiday.

We have a policy, as a matter of courtesy, to respond to all applications within three working days. However, because of the volume of applications, we sometimes cannot reply to individual enquiries. If we have not contacted you within this specified time, your application may have been unsuccessful on this specific occasion, but we encourage you to apply for positions that you may see in the future. Alternatively, please check missed calls and all your email folders as it may have been that we have tried to reach you. Thank you.*