SEN Teaching Assistant – Secondary School (Southampton)

Supporting Pupils with SEND, SEMH & Additional Learning Needs
Location: Southampton
Hours: 08:30am – 3:30pm, Monday–Friday
Start Date: March 2026
Long‑term role with potential to become permanent
Competitive pay – paid to scale

Are you patient, resilient and committed to helping young people overcome barriers to learning? We are seeking a dedicated SEN Teaching Assistant to support students with a range of additional needs, including SEMH, autism and learning differences, in a thriving Southampton secondary school.

You will work alongside experienced teachers and pastoral staff, using consistent routines and clear boundaries to help pupils feel safe, focused, and ready to learn. Confidence in following agreed strategies and intervening proactively before situations escalate is essential.

About the School

This Southampton secondary school serves students aged 11–16 and is recognised for:

• A strong ethos built around being proud, kind and determined, with clear expectations that students demonstrate these values daily
• A recent Ofsted judgement of Good (2024) across all main areas, including behaviour, leadership and personal development
• Strong SEND provision, including rapid identification of needs and effective classroom adaptations that support all learners
• A meaningful role within the wider local community through a well‑established community hub supporting pupils and families

What We’re Looking For:

• Experience supporting children or young people with additional or complex needs
• A calm, consistent and empathetic approach to behaviour and emotional regulation
• Ability to interpret body language and act proactively to prevent escalation
• Clear, confident communication skills
• Resilience, patience and a genuine commitment to inclusive education
• A current Enhanced DBS on the Update Service (or willingness to obtain one)
• Willingness to learn, reflect and adapt to meet a variety of learning needs

Why Join Supply Desk?

• A dedicated consultant offering ongoing, personalised support
• Excellent, competitive pay rates
• Access to free CPD and high‑quality training
• Refer a Friend scheme offering up to £150 collectively

Ready to take the next step?

Click Apply Now to submit your CV, or register via the Supply Desk website. A consultant will be in touch to discuss the next stage in the process.

Supply Desk is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants must meet Safer Recruitment standards and complete an Enhanced DBS check.

Contact information

Lewis Wright