Creative Teaching Assistants

GUARDIAN SELECTION LIMITED; Redcar; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialist education provider in Redcar is seeking a Creative Teaching Assistant to support pupils with complex needs. The role involves providing 1:1 support, promoting independence, and utilizing sensory-based learning activities. Ideal candidates will have experience with Special Educational Needs and strong communication skills. There is potential for permanent employment, alongside competitive daily pay and a supportive work environment. If you're passionate about making a meaningful difference, apply today.

Benefits

Competitive daily pay

Supportive school environment

Additional training courses

Qualifications

• Experience working with behaviours that challenge in a school setting.
• Ability to deliver sensory activities and messy play.
• Willingness to support personal care.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils academically and emotionally through structured routines.
• Provide 1:1 and small group support for pupils with SEN.
• Use positive behaviour support and de-escalation strategies.

Skills

Experience supporting children with Special Educational Needs

Strong communication and teamwork skills

Understanding of person-centred care

Experience using Makaton or PECS

Job description

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00am–4:00pm (Term Time Only)

Start Date: Immediate

GSL Education are currently recruiting dedicated, resilient, and Creative Teaching Assistants to work in a specialist SEN school in Darlington. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals with experience in education, care, or support settings who are passionate about making a meaningful difference to children with complex needs.

The school supports pupils with autism, learning disabilities, communication difficulties, sensory processing needs, and behaviours that challenge. A calm, patient, and consistent approach is essential. For the right candidates, there is potential for these roles to become permanent.

The Role

As a Creative Teaching Assistant, you will support pupils both academically and emotionally through structured routines, sensory-based learning, and creative approaches such as messy play and hands-on activities.

Some pupils may display behaviours that challenge as a form of communication. You will respond using positive behaviour support, de-escalation strategies, and a trauma-informed approach, working closely with teachers, SENCOs, and other professionals to follow individual education and behaviour plans.

Key Responsibilities

• Providing 1:1 and small group support for pupils with SEN and complex needs
• Supporting pupils with behaviours that challenge, including emotional regulation and transitions
• Using positive behaviour support and de-escalation strategies
• Supporting sensory-based learning, including messy play and tactile activities
• Encouraging engagement through creative play, movement, and exploratory learning
• Supporting communication using verbal and non-verbal methods, visual timetables, and symbols
• Supporting personal care when required, including toileting and hygiene
• Promoting independence, confidence, and positive social interactions
• Observing, recording, and reporting progress and behaviour
• Working collaboratively with teachers and support staff
• Maintaining a calm, safe, and inclusive learning environment
• Experience supporting children or young people with Special Educational Needs
• Experience working with behaviours that challenge
• A patient, calm, and resilient approach
• Understanding of person-centred care and positive behaviour support
• Confidence delivering sensory activities and messy play
• Willingness to support personal care when required
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Ability to build positive, trusting relationships with pupils
• DBS on the Service, or willingness to apply
• Experience working in a specialist SEN school, SEMH setting, or PRU
• Knowledge of autism spectrum conditions
• Experience using Makaton, PECS, or visual communication systems
• Behaviour management training (Team Teach, MAPA)
• Background in care, youth work, psychology, or early years

Why Apply?

• Competitive daily pay based on experience
• Supportive and specialist school environment
• Opportunity to make a genuine, positive impact on children with complex needs
• A consultant to support you on your journey
• Additional training courses

Apply today or email [e-mail] to discuss this role and other available opportunities.