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Sen Teaching Assistant
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SEN Teaching Assistant
Location: Cranleigh
Salary: Earn up to £26,189 FTE (36 hours over 52 weeks) as a Teaching Assistant at St Josephs Specialist Trust dependent on qualifications and experience *
Vacancy Type: Permanent, Full Time
Make a Difference Every Day
Do you want to change lives while building a rewarding and meaningful career?
We are looking for compassionate and dedicated Teaching Assistants to join our growing education team at St Josephs Specialist Trust. As student numbers increase, we are expanding, and this is your chance to be part of a truly special community.
A Teaching Assistant role at St Josephs 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.
What the Role Involves
- 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.
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Some students require personal care, for which full training will be provided.
Training and Development
At St Josephs, learning never stops.
All our 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.
What You'll Bring
You don't need previous experience; we'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.
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You must also be prepared to provide personal care for students who require assistance to stay clean and comfortable.
Working Hours
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
We cannot accommodate reduced daily hours, but we can consider part-time work (3+ days per week); please apply to discuss.
Salary and Progression
Teaching Assistant salary (pro rata for term time, 39 weeks + CPD days):
- £21,599 - £22,462 (£25,183 - £26,189 FTE)
- Rising to £23,337 - £25,632 (£27,209 - £29,884 FTE) for Senior Teaching Assistant after completing the apprenticeship (funded by us) and two years with the Trust.
You can also progress to Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) roles:
- Unqualified HLTA: £26,532 (£29,884 FTE)
- Qualified HLTA: £29,600 (£34,511 FTE)
All salaries include the 2026 cost-of-living increase (effective April 1st, 2026).
Why Join St Josephs?
We offer a supportive, inclusive and rewarding workplace with a clear focus on you
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