Supply Teaching Assistants

Are you looking for flexible, rewarding work where you can make a real difference to young people’s lives?

Teaching Personnel are recruiting SEN and SEMH Support Staff to work on a day-to-day and short-term basis across specialist and mainstream schools in Hailsham and the surrounding East Sussex area.

These roles are ideal for individuals who are passionate about supporting children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) or Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) difficulties, and who value flexibility in their working week.

About the Role

You’ll work in a variety of school settings, supporting pupils aged between 5–16 who may experience barriers to learning such as:

• Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC)

• ADHD and related attention or sensory needs

• Social, Emotional and Mental Health challenges

• Communication or learning difficulties

As a Supply SEN/SEMH Teaching Assistant, your day could include:

• Providing 1:1 and small group support, ensuring pupils remain engaged and focused during lessons

• Assisting teachers with differentiated learning activities tailored to individual needs

• Supporting emotional regulation, encouraging positive behaviour and helping pupils manage anxiety or frustration

• Implementing strategies set by class teachers and SENCOs, including behaviour and support plans

• Encouraging pupils to develop confidence, social skills and independence

• Assisting with personal care or sensory activities when required

• Contributing to a calm, nurturing and safe learning environment

Every day will look different — one day you may be supporting a pupil with Autism in a primary classroom, and the next working in a specialist SEMH provision helping older students access learning in a therapeutic, structured environment.

What We’re Looking For

• Experience working with children or young people (in education, care, youth work or mental health settings)

• Patience, empathy and resilience when supporting pupils with additional needs

• Flexibility and reliability — able to adapt to new settings and routines

• A calm, encouraging manner and a passion for helping children thrive

If you have experience supporting behaviour, working in care, or mentoring young people, you’ll be a great fit for this role. Full training and ongoing CPD are provided through Teaching Personnel.

What’s on Offer

• Flexible work — choose the days that suit you

• Competitive daily pay (£90–£100 per day, depending on experience)

• Opportunities to work in a range of SEN and SEMH schools across East Sussex

• Free access to online CPD courses including Autism Awareness, Safeguarding, Trauma-Informed Practice, and Team Teach

• Dedicated support from your local Teaching Personnel consultant

This is an excellent opportunity for graduates, experienced teaching assistants, or those exploring a career in SEN and SEMH education.
Whether you’re looking for a few days a week or full-time flexible work, we’ll match you to schools that suit your skills and availability.

Locations covered: Hailsham, Eastbourne, Polegate, and surrounding East Sussex areas
Pay: £90–£100 per day (PAYE, weekly pay)
Start date: Immediate – ongoing
Apply today to speak with our SEN team and start making a real difference.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.
All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.
Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.
We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.
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