Prospero Teaching is seeking calm, patient, and resilient Special School Support Assistants to join a specialist secondary school in Southampton. The school supports young people aged 11-16 with a wide range of complex learning difficulties, including autism, sensory processing differences, communication needs, cognitive learning disabilities, and additional barriers that impact engagement and emotional regulation.
The school also welcomes applications from ad‑hoc supply staff who are available for day‑to‑day, short‑term, or long‑term cover-ideal for those looking for flexible, varied work within a nurturing SEN environment.
Key Responsibilities
Providing tailored support to pupils with autism, sensory processing needs, communication difficulties, or complex learning profiles
Supporting young people who may experience anxiety, emotional dysregulation, sensory overload, or challenges with transitions, routines, and social situations
Encouraging engagement through practical, creative, therapeutic, and differentiated learning activities suited to secondary‑age learners
Promoting emotional wellbeing, safety, and positive behaviour throughout the school day
Supporting pupils with communication, emotional regulation, social understanding, and developing independence and life skills
Building trusting, stable relationships using calm, clear, and consistent communication
Working collaboratively with teachers, therapists, pastoral teams, and external professionals to ensure holistic, person‑centred supportContract Details
Location: Southampton
Position: Special School Support Assistant
Start Date: ASAP
Contract Type: Full‑time with temp‑to‑perm pathways available; ad‑hoc supply opportunities also offered
Working Hours: 08:45am - 15:15pm
Pay Rate: From £14.96 per hourRequirements
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 experience supporting young people with complex needsWhat We Offer
Free accredited CPD, including safeguarding, behaviour management, and de‑escalation
Access to our specialist in‑house Training & Development Team
Ongoing support from a dedicated SEN consultant
A warm, inclusive secondary school environment with strong staff culture and opportunities for progressionRefer a Friend
Know someone who would thrive in a specialist SEN setting? Earn a referral bonus for every successful recommendation through our Refer a Friend scheme (T&Cs apply).
If you're interested, please send an up‑to‑date copy of your CV for consideration.
Please note, due to high volume of responses, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
Salary description
£14.96 - £15.96 per hour