SEN Teaching Assistant

SEN Teaching Assistant - Cranleigh, Surrey - Permanent 

Earn up to £26,189 FTE (36 hours over 52 weeks)
Dependent on qualifications and experience

We are looking for compassionate and dedicated SEN Teaching Assistants to join a growing specialist education team. As student numbers increase, this is your opportunity to become part of a highly supportive and rewarding environment where every day brings the chance to make a genuine impact.

This is not a mainstream Teaching Assistant role. You will support children and young people aged 5–19 with severe social communication difficulties, complex learning disabilities, and, in some cases, challenging behaviours. You will help students access a therapy-based education, develop life skills, and achieve greater independence in preparation for life beyond school or college.

The Role

You will:

• Work within small classes of 8–13 students, grouped by ability and social needs rather than age.
• Support learning across literacy, numeracy, PSHE, and daily living skills.
• Help students communicate using Makaton, signs, symbols, and communication aids through a multi-sensory approach.
• Provide emotional support and guidance to students experiencing anxiety, frustration, or behavioural challenges.
• Work collaboratively within a skilled and supportive multidisciplinary team.

Some students require personal care support, and full training will be provided.

Training & Development

Comprehensive training is provided from day one, making this an excellent opportunity for both experienced Teaching Assistants and those looking to begin a career in specialist education.

You will benefit from:

• Twice-weekly training sessions combining practical and theoretical learning.
• A fully funded Teaching Assistant apprenticeship qualification.
• Team Teach Positive Behaviour Support Training during induction.
• Ongoing refresher training and mentoring support.
• Continuous professional development opportunities to help you progress your career.

What We’re Looking For

- Previous experience is not essential. We are looking for individuals who are:

- Compassionate, patient, and resilient.

- Calm under pressure and able to support young people with complex needs.

- Strong communicators who can work effectively with students, families, and professionals.

Able to work safely and collaboratively as part of a team.

Comfortable providing personal care where required.

You will also need a good standard of literacy and numeracy to support learning and complete records and reports.

Working Hours

36 hours per week

Monday: 8:30am – 4:00pm

Tuesday to Thursday: 8:30am – 4:15pm

Friday: 8:30am – 3:45pm

Includes 30 minutes of admin time per week.

Part-time applications (minimum 3 days per week) may be considered, although reduced daily hours are not available.

Salary & Career Progression

Teaching Assistant

• £21,599 – £22,462 pro rata
• £25,183 – £26,189 FTE

Senior Teaching Assistant

Following completion of the funded apprenticeship and two years’ service:

• £23,337 – £25,632 pro rata
• £27,209 – £29,884 FTE

Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)

• Unqualified HLTA: £26,532 pro rata (£29,884 FTE)
• Qualified HLTA: £29,600 pro rata (£34,511 FTE)

All salaries include the 2026 cost-of-living increase effective from 1 April 2026.

Benefits

Employees benefit from a supportive and inclusive workplace, with excellent wellbeing and development support, including:

• Fully funded nationally accredited Teaching Assistant qualification
• £1,000 retention bonus
• Life Assurance and Medical Cash Plan (after qualifying period)
• Ongoing Team Teach and inclusion support training
• Personalised CPD and regular appraisals
• Free hot lunches during term time
• Free on-site parking
• Employee Assistance Programme with confidential wellbeing support
• Access to Mental Health First Aiders and Occupational Health services

About us:

SENCare Recruitment provides Special Educational Needs (SEN) professionals for SEN schools, mainstream schools, residential care homes and 1-1 home support through local authorities, across the UK.  We can offer short/long term placements on a temporary and permanent basis for specialist SEN teachers, teaching assistants, support workers, social workers, VI/HI practitioners and mid-day meal supervisors.  

If you feel this would be the ideal vacancy for you, then please apply below or contact our team direct and ask for John Stokes @ SENCare Recruitment. 

SENCare Recruitment is fully committed to the safety and welfare of children, and by applying for this vacancy, you are consenting to SENCare Recruitment Ltd storing your personal details in line with the new GDPR regulations.