Special School Support Assistants - Dibden

Position: Special School Support Assistants - Dibden (Contract)
Location: New Forest

Prospero Teaching is looking for calm, patient, and resilient Special School Support Assistants (SSSAs) to join a specialist school in Dibden, supporting pupils aged 8-16 with a wide range of complex needs. The school provides highly individualised support for children and young people with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs, communication and interaction differences, autism, and associated challenging behaviour.

The school welcomes applications from candidates seeking full‑time roles as well as ad‑hoc supply opportunities, including day‑to‑day, short‑term, and long‑term cover. This is an excellent option for individuals looking for flexible, meaningful work within a nurturing specialist environment.

This role is ideal for someone passionate about helping children who benefit from consistent, relational, trauma‑informed support to feel safe, build trust, and make progress both emotionally and academically.

Key Responsibilities

Providing tailored support to pupils aged 8-16 with SEMH needs, communication differences, autism, or complex learning profiles
Supporting young people who may experience anxiety, emotional dysregulation, or difficulties with transitions, routines, and social interaction
Encouraging engagement through therapeutic, creative, practical, and differentiated learning activities
Promoting emotional wellbeing, safety, and positive behaviour throughout the school day
Supporting pupils with communication, emotional regulation, social development, and building independence
Using calm, consistent, and relational approaches to build trust and reduce barriers to learning
Working collaboratively with teachers, pastoral teams, and therapeutic staff to provide holistic, child‑centred support

Contract Details

Location:

Dibden
Position:
Special School Support Assistant (SSSA)

Start Date:

ASAP
Contract Type:
Full‑time with temp‑to‑perm pathways available; ad‑hoc supply opportunities also offered

Working Hours:

08::30
Pay Rate:
From £14 per hour Requirements

To be considered, 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, health & social care, or have relevant SEN/SEMH experience

What We Offer

Free accredited CPD, including safeguarding, behaviour support, and de‑escalation
Access to our specialist in‑house Training & Development Team
Ongoing support from a dedicated SEN consultant
A welcoming, supportive school environment with strong staff culture and clear progression opportunities

Refer a Friend

Know someone who would thrive in a specialist SEMH setting? You can earn a referral bonus for every successful recommendation through our Refer a Friend scheme (T&Cs apply)