Experienced SEN Teaching Assistant - Make a Real Difference Every Day

Some jobs fill a timetable.
This one changes lives.

We are looking for a highly committed and experienced SEN Teaching Assistant to join a supportive and passionate school team. This is a role for someone who understands that supporting children with additional needs requires patience, creativity, resilience and a genuine belief that every child can succeed with the right support around them.

If you are the type of person who celebrates the small wins, adapts your approach to meet individual needs, and believes that confidence is just as important as curriculum — this could be the perfect role for you.

The Role

As an SEN Teaching Assistant, you will play a vital part in helping pupils access education in a way that works for them. You will work closely with teachers, SENCOs and pastoral staff to support pupils with a range of additional needs, ensuring they feel supported, understood and capable in the classroom environment.

Your work may include supporting pupils with:

• Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC)

• ADHD

• Speech and Language needs

• Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs (SEMH)

• Moderate learning difficulties

• Sensory or communication differences

You will support pupils both 1:1 and in small groups, helping them engage with lessons, manage emotions, build confidence, and develop independence throughout the school day.

No two days are ever the same - and that’s exactly why people love this role.

What You’ll Be Doing

Your role will involve a wide range of responsibilities including:

Classroom Support

• Working alongside the class teacher to adapt lessons and activities

• Supporting pupils to understand tasks and stay engaged in learning

• Helping break down instructions in ways pupils can understand

• Encouraging independence and problem-solving

1:1 and Small Group Support

• Providing tailored support for pupils with additional learning needs

• Delivering targeted interventions

• Helping pupils regulate emotions and behaviour

• Supporting communication and social interaction

Pastoral and Emotional Support

• Helping pupils feel safe, supported and confident

• Building positive relationships that encourage trust

• Supporting pupils during transitions, playtimes and structured activities

• Helping children develop social skills and emotional regulation

Collaboration

• Working closely with teachers, SENCOs and pastoral teams

• Providing feedback on pupil progress and engagement

• Supporting the implementation of EHCP targets where required

• Contributing to a positive, inclusive learning environment

The Type of Person Who Thrives in This Role

We’re looking for someone who doesn’t just want to work in education but genuinely wants to make a difference to children who need it most.

You might already be working as an SEN Teaching Assistant, or you may have strong experience supporting children with additional needs in other settings.

You will likely be someone who is:

• Patient, calm and naturally encouraging

• Passionate about inclusive education

• Observant and able to adapt quickly to pupils’ needs

• Confident supporting behaviour positively

• A strong communicator with both pupils and staff

• Someone who celebrates progress — even the smallest steps

Most importantly, you’ll understand that relationships are the foundation of successful support.

Experience & Skills We’re Looking For

While every school is different, successful applicants will typically have experience with:

• Supporting children with SEN or additional learning needs

• Working within a school or education environment

• Providing 1:1 support for pupils

• Supporting behaviour and emotional regulation

• Helping children remain engaged with learning

• Working as part of a collaborative school team

Experience with EHCP support, intervention work or structured behaviour strategies would be particularly valuable.

Relevant qualifications such as Teaching Assistant training, SEND qualifications or childcare/education diplomas are beneficial, though practical experience is often just as important.

Why This Role Is So Rewarding

Working as an SEN Teaching Assistant is one of the most impactful roles within a school.

You are often the person who:

• Helps a child stay in the classroom when they feel overwhelmed

• Breaks down a task so it finally makes sense

• Encourages a pupil who has lost confidence

• Supports children in developing friendships and social skills

• Helps pupils believe in their own ability

These moments may seem small but they can have a lifelong impact.

And that’s why so many people who step into SEN support say it becomes the most rewarding role they’ve ever had.

What You’ll Gain

Alongside the reward of supporting pupils directly, this role also offers:

• The opportunity to build specialist SEN experience

• Exposure to different support strategies and interventions

• A supportive school environment where teamwork matters

• The chance to work closely with experienced teachers and SEN professionals

• Valuable experience for those considering careers in education, psychology, therapy or pastoral support

Many people who start in SEN support go on to build long-term careers within education because of the impact and fulfilment the role brings.

The Bottom Line

If you’re someone who understands that every child learns differently, and you want to play a meaningful role in helping pupils overcome barriers to education — we would love to hear from you.

Because the right Teaching Assistant doesn’t just support lessons.

They change how a child feels about learning.

And that’s a pretty powerful thing. 🌟

Contact information

Lilia Erskine