We have teaching assistant vacancies open up regularly and invite prospective candidates to apply throughout the year.

Woodlands Meed is a foundation, special school with a wide range of learning difficulties and complex special needs, including Autistic Spectrum Conditions and Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties. We are also a Specialist School for Communication and Interaction.   Interested applicants need to have experience or a keen interest in meeting the needs of learners with a wide range of special needs and the ability to contribute positively to a team of class staff. 

Salary - NJC grade 4-5, scale points 5-8, based on experience.

£25583-26824 pa, pro-rata; £20847-£21858

Hours: Term time only Monday-Friday 8.45-4.00 daily (Tuesdays until 5.00) 35 hours per week plus 30-minute unpaid lunch break. 5 INSET days per year.

You will be working under the direction of the class teacher or an HLTA/associate teacher and under the guidance of teaching/senior staff, and within an agreed system of supervision. You will provide educational and personal support to children with learning, social and communication, physical, medical, sensory and/or behavioural difficulties and needs, both in and out of school within the school day.

Support of our learners:

• To support in all areas of learning, social and emotional and physical development
• To be proactive in creating learning opportunities for all learners.
• To promote independence, self-esteem and confidence.
• Contribute to positive relationships
• To role model teamwork, support for colleagues, always promote good relationships and act in a professional manner.
• To be positive and always encouraging.
• To follow the lead and direction of the class teacher or HLTA.

To apply please complete an application form and email to recruitment@woodlandsmeed.co.uk

 Start Date: September 2026

Contract: Term‑time only.

Two roles are available - 35 hours per week and 21 hours (three days) per week.

Salary: NJC Grade 7 (£29,540 to £32,061).

Actual pro rata salary for 35 hours per week - £24074 to £26128 dependent on experience).

Actual pro rata salary for 21 hours per week - £14444 to £15677 dependent on experience).

About the Programme

Woodlands Meed, in partnership with West Sussex County Council Adult Learning Service, is launching an exciting new Supported Internship Programme in September 2026. This innovative pathway will support young people with disabilities to gain real work experience, develop employability skills and move confidently into paid employment.

We are now looking for enthusiastic, committed and person‑centred Job Coaches to join our team and help shape this brand‑new offer for West Sussex.

About the Role

As a Job Coach, you will play a vital role in supporting interns both in the workplace and in the classroom. You’ll help young people learn job tasks, build confidence, develop independence and thrive in real employment settings. You’ll also work closely with employers, tutors and families to create a supportive, inclusive environment where every intern can succeed.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Providing on‑the‑job coaching to help interns learn tasks safely, accurately and independently
• Supporting interns in classroom sessions, reinforcing employability and life‑skills learning
• Building strong relationships with local employers and helping them create inclusive workplaces
• Identifying and negotiating reasonable adjustments to remove barriers
• Supporting interns with travel training, communication and workplace behaviours
• Monitoring progress, keeping accurate records and contributing to review meetings
• Helping interns prepare for paid work through CV support, interview practice and job‑search activities
• Promoting the values of dignity, choice, independence and inclusion in everything you do

About You

• Passionate about supporting young people with disabilities
• A natural communicator who builds trust quickly
• Patient, adaptable and creative in their approach
• Confident working with employers and external partners
• Organised, reliable and able to manage a varied workload
• Committed to safeguarding and professional boundaries
• Motivated by seeing others succeed

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a brand‑new programme making a real difference in West Sussex
• Work within a supportive, forward‑thinking team at Woodlands Meed and WSCC Adult Learning Service
• Access ongoing training in Supported Employment, job coaching and SEND practice
• Help young people achieve life‑changing outcomes and move into meaningful paid work

Closing Date: 01.06.2026

Interview Date: WC 08.06.2026

1^st September 2026 start

NJC Grade 8 (£32,597 to £35,412)

Actual pro rata starting salary £27,870

Term time plus two additional weeks.

35 Hours per week. Flexible working hours can be available

Do you want to make a difference?

Are you passionate about equality and diversity?

Do you have excellent communication and interpersonal skills?

We are seeking to appoint a dedicated and enthusiastic MJC Careers Education Coordinator to lead the planning, coordination, and delivery of the Woodlands Meed careers programme for both current students and alumni.

The successful candidate will hold responsibility and accountability for developing and delivering a high‑quality, inclusive careers programme that supports pupils as they progress into paid employment, further education, training, and volunteering opportunities. The role plays a key part in ensuring that pupils and alumni have access to clear employment pathways and meaningful, real‑world experiences that prepare them for adulthood.

A central aspect of the role is to raise aspirations working collaboratively with students, families and carers, staff teams, and employers. You will support students to develop employability skills, including those required to perform and learn within a job role, using supported employment approaches.

The postholder will also be responsible for the work experience coordination, delivery, and job coaching of young people taking part in the Pre-Supported Internship programme, ensuring positive outcomes and progression for each participant.

We are looking for someone who is passionate about creating opportunities for young people and committed to helping our students engage with and understand the world of work. No prior experience is necessary; however, enthusiasm, initiative, and the drive to expand opportunities for our students are essential. Full training and support will be provided.

This is an exciting and highly rewarding role for a motivated individual with excellent organisational skills. You will work with a wide and diverse range of people, including students, employers, and education staff, so strong interpersonal and communication skills are vital.

Woodlands Meed’s Career Programme is delivered by the Meed’s Job Club. The MJC supports and guides young people to reach their full potential. It helps to challenge misconceptions held by employers around hiring people with SEND through practical support and guidance and showcasing the students work skills and abilities.

Woodlands Meed is a foundation special school for pupils with a wide range of learning difficulties and complex special needs, including Autistic Spectrum Conditions and Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties. We are also a Specialist School for Communication and Interaction.

Please contact The Woodlands Meed Careers Leader for more information about this exciting role; Nola Bennett.  nbennett@woodlandsmeed.co.uk

Closing date - 8th June 2026

Interview date - 15th June 2026