Location: Littlehampton Marina, West Sussex
Start Date: September 2026
Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00am–3:00pm
Contract: Term-time only
Pay: Salary paid in 12 equal monthly payments throughout the year
Abyss Scuba School is looking for a compassionate, adaptable and enthusiastic SEN Teaching Assistant to join our growing Independent Alternative Provision team from September 2026.
This is a unique role supporting children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, including autism, social, emotional and mental health needs, and barriers to mainstream education.
The position is term-time only, following a school-style working calendar. The annual salary will be calculated based on the term-time working arrangement and then spread evenly across 12 monthly payments, meaning the successful candidate will continue to receive their regular salary throughout the school holidays.
Alongside classroom and one-to-one support, the successful candidate will help young people participate in practical, confidence-building activities such as swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving, marine conservation and outdoor learning.
Previous diving experience is not essential. Full PADI scuba training can be provided to the right candidate.
The Role
You will work closely with our education team, teaching assistants and PADI dive instructors to provide a calm, nurturing and inclusive learning environment.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Providing one-to-one and small-group support for young people with SEND.
- Supporting learners with autism, SEMH needs, anxiety and communication difficulties.
- Following individual education, wellbeing and behaviour-support plans.
- Helping young people engage with learning, develop confidence and build positive relationships.
- Supporting classroom-based, pool-based and outdoor education activities.
- Assisting with swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving and ocean-based learning sessions.
- Using positive, trauma-informed approaches to support behaviour and emotional regulation.
- Recording student progress, participation and significant concerns accurately.
- Following safeguarding, health and safety and company procedures.
- Communicating professionally with colleagues, parents, carers, schools and other professionals.
- Helping maintain a clean, organised and safe education and dive-centre environment.
Essential Skills and Experience
We are looking for someone who:
- Has experience working with children or young people.
- Understands the needs of young people with SEND.
- Is patient, compassionate and able to remain calm in challenging situations.
- Can build positive and professional relationships with young people.
- Has strong communication and teamwork skills.
- Is reliable, flexible and willing to take an active role in practical activities.
- Is comfortable working in and around water or willing to develop their confidence.
- Is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
- Is willing to undertake relevant training and professional development.
Desirable Qualifications and Experience
The following would be advantageous but are not essential:
- Teaching Assistant or SEND-related qualification.
- Experience working within alternative provision, education, youth work or outdoor learning.
- Knowledge and experience of supporting autistic young people.
- Trauma-informed practice, ELSA or behaviour-support training.
- First Aid or Emergency First Response qualification.
- PADI scuba diving qualification.
- Swimming, aquatic instruction or water-safety experience.
- Marine biology, environmental science or conservation experience.
Working Pattern and Pay
- Monday to Friday.
- Working hours of 9:00am–3:00pm.
- Term-time only, following the education calendar.
- The annual term-time salary will be divided into 12 equal monthly payments.
- Additional training and professional development will be provided.
Why Join Abyss Scuba School?
This is not a traditional Teaching Assistant position. You will be joining a supportive team that uses scuba diving, marine education and practical experiences to help young people succeed.
We offer:
- A family-friendly, school-style working pattern.
- Term-time working with pay spread throughout the year.
- A unique and rewarding SEND education environment.
- Small-group and individualised support.
- Full training and ongoing professional development.
- Opportunities to complete PADI scuba diving qualifications.
- Experience across education, outdoor learning and the diving industry.
- Opportunities to progress within the educational and diving sides of the organisation.
- The chance to make a genuine difference to young people who may have struggled in traditional education settings.
Safeguarding
Abyss Scuba School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful applicant will be required to complete an enhanced DBS check and provide satisfactory references.
Expected start date: September 2026
Pay: £12.71 per hour
Benefits:
- Additional leave
- Company events
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- Enhanced paternity leave
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
- Store discount
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Littlehampton BN17 5DS: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):
- Are you willing and able to become a PADI Divemaster if not already qualified?
Language:
Licence/Certification:
- Driving Licence (preferred)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
