Job Description

Overview and Responsibilities

Teaching Assistant - SEN

Location: Effingham, SurreySalary: £13.51 - £14.45 per hour (£24,139 - £25,819 actual salary dependant on qualifications) Plus £1000 Welcome bonus * Hours: 40 hours per week - Term Time only - Start time 8.15am - Finish time Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday 4.45pm. Thursday 5pm and Friday 4pm

Start Date: As soon as possible

Teaching Assistant – Aurora Poppyfield School

Join our dedicated team at Poppyfield School, where we support students aged 11–16 with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) through a nurturing and inclusive approach. We empower our young people to access the national curriculum in a way that works for them and to achieve meaningful vocational qualifications by the time they leave school.

Why Apply?

• Make a real difference in students’ lives
• Contribute to a creative, inclusive curriculum
• Work with inspiring pupils and a supportive team
• Be part of an organisation that values and invests in staff

Key Responsibilities:

• Safeguard and promote pupil welfare
• Support learning and behaviour in class
• Build positive relationships to help pupils feel safe and thrive
• Encourage independence and personal development
• Assist with lesson planning and resource preparation

Please note that duties will vary and you will be expected to contribute to the overall aims of the school when required. Please see the link below for our full job description:

Job Description - Teaching Assistant

Skills and Qualifications

What We’re Looking For:

• Experience working with SEN (paid or voluntary)
• Level 2 qualification in Teaching & Learning Support (desirable)
• GCSE English & Maths (Grade 4/C or above)
• Understanding of safeguarding and child protection
• Knowledge of SEN, SEMH, or ASD
• Consistent, child-centred support approach
• Positive, creative mindset to meet individual needs
• Willingness to engage in behaviour support strategies (including Team Teach physical intervention, if needed)
• Ability to complete accurate, timely reports

Benefits and Additional Information

What’s on Offer at Aurora?

We believe in supporting you as much as we support the children and young people in our care. Here’s a snapshot of the fantastic benefits waiting for you:

Grow with Us – Training & Development

Learning never stops at Aurora! We offer a wide range of training programmes and career development opportunities to help you build your skills and reach your goals.

Save Money on Everyday Essentials

With the rising cost of living, our Perkbox app helps you stretch your money further:

• Discounts on groceries, phone plans, internet, dining out, gym memberships & more
• Access to our Cycle to Work and Car Scheme

Access Wagestream – a financial wellbeing app that helps you track earnings, save, get expert money advice, and even access part of your pay early when needed

Competitive Pay & Reward

We regularly benchmark our pay and benefits to stay ahead of the curve. You’ll enjoy:

• Enhanced Annual Leave
• Company Sick Pay
• Enhanced Pension
• Life Assurance

24/7 GP Access – For You & Your Household

Need a doctor? No problem. Book a phone or video appointment anytime, day or night. This service covers everyone in your household.

UK Health Cash Plan

Cover everyday healthcare costs like dental and optician bills. You and your children are included in the scheme, and you can upgrade to add your partner too!

Employee Assistance Programme

Your wellbeing matters. Get confidential support on a wide range of issues, including:

• Freephone counselling (available 24/7)
• Online tools and resources

Refer a Friend – Earn £1,000!

Know someone who’d be a great fit? Refer them and get rewarded!(*Terms apply)

* Welcome bonus is payable in 2 payments - 50% following successful completion of probation and 50% after one year service

How to Apply:

For candidates that haven’t worked in this sector before please be aware that for regulatory reasons the application process is far more detailed and thorough compared to other sectors.

Please complete the online application form in full, including all employment and education details, and provide a personal statement that makes us keen to speak to you.

If you need any assistance or would like any more information, please contact Liz in the Aurora Group Recruitment Team at

Successful applicants will be subject to pre-employment safeguarding checks including an enhanced disclosure and barring service (DBS) check. xbpsjku

The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Aurora Group is therefore permitted to ask job applicants to declare all convictions and cautions (including those which are "spent" unless they are "protected" under the DBS filtering rules) in order to assess their suitability to work with children.

The Aurora Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children and young adults in our care and is a disability con