Creative Teaching Assistants

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

Job summary

A specialist educational agency is seeking a Creative Teaching Assistant in Tees Valley. You will support pupils with special educational needs in a calm and structured environment, helping them through various learning and emotional challenges. The ideal candidate should possess patience, teamwork skills, and a strong commitment to creating a positive impact on children's lives. This position offers competitive daily pay and the possibility for long-term employment in a supportive school environment.

Benefits

Competitive daily pay

Supportive school environment

Opportunity for additional training

Qualifications

• Experience supporting children or young people with SEN.
• Knowledge of autism spectrum conditions.
• Experience using Makaton, PECS, or visual communication systems.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 support for pupils with complex needs.
• Use de-escalation strategies for challenging behaviours.
• Support sensory-based learning activities.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Ability to build trusting relationships with pupils

Experience with special educational needs

Calm and patient approach

Experience with behaviours that challenge

Teamwork skills

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 Middlesbrough. 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 PIXIBSchool 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 సోనడ చాట్ 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
• Willingness to support personal care when required
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Ability to build positive, trusting relationships with pupils
• DBS on the Update 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.