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 support
Contract 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 location
Requirements
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 vehicle
What 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 development
Refer 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).