Special School Support Assistant - SEMH (Chichester)
A warm, caring, and highly supportive SEMH school in Chichester is looking for Special School Support Assistants who can bring patience, empathy, and consistency to their team. The school supports pupils aged 7-16 who have a range of Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs, alongside additional needs such as Autism, ADHD, Attachment Disorders, Anxiety, and Speech and Language delay.
The school is set in a peaceful location that offers space and calm for pupils to thrive-because of this, driving is essential.
Key Responsibilities
Offering gentle, personalised support to pupils with SEMH needs, autism, ADHD, attachment‑related needs, anxiety, and communication differences
Supporting children and young people who may experience emotional dysregulation, heightened anxiety, sensory overload, or challenges with transitions, routines, and social interactions
Encouraging engagement through creative, practical, therapeutic, and hands‑on learning activities suited to both primary and secondary‑age pupils
Promoting emotional wellbeing, safety, and positive behaviour through calm, consistent, and nurturing approaches
Helping pupils develop communication skills, emotional regulation strategies, social understanding, independence, and life‑skills
Building trusting, secure relationships through warmth, patience, and clear, supportive communication
Working closely with teachers, therapists, pastoral teams, and external professionals to provide holistic, child‑centred supportContract Details
Location: Chichester
Position: Special School Support Assistant
Start Date: September 2026
Contract Type: Full‑time with temp‑to‑perm pathways available; ad‑hoc supply roles also offered
Working Hours: 08:30am - 15:00pm
Pay Rate: From £14.25 per hour
Driving: Essential due to the school's locationRequirements
You must:
Have the Right to Work in the UK
Hold an enhanced child‑barred list DBS on the Update Service (or be willing to apply)
Provide professional references covering the last 24 months
Hold a Level 2/3 qualification in childcare, education, or health & social care or have relevant SEN/SEMH experience supporting young people with complex needs
Be able to drive and have access to a vehicleWhat We Offer
Free accredited CPD, including safeguarding, behaviour support, and de‑escalation
Access to a specialist in‑house Training & Development Team
Ongoing support from a dedicated SEN consultant
A warm, inclusive school community where staff feel valued and supported
Opportunities for professional growth and long‑term developmentRefer a Friend
Know someone who would flourish in a nurturing SEMH setting? You can earn a referral bonus for every successful recommendation (T&Cs apply)
