Nurturing SEN Teaching Assistant - Specialist School

Tradewind Recruitment; Chesterfield; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay £95-£125/day

Full-time, term-time

Specialist SEN setting

Dedicated SEN Consultant support

Opportunities to develop SEN exposure

Job summary

Tradewind Recruitment in Chesterfield are seeking a warm, patient and nurturing SEN Teaching Assistant to support pupils with autism, severe learning difficulties and other complex needs at a specialist school in Chesterfield.

You will provide 1:1 and small-group support, build trusting relationships, help with learning, manage emotions, support communication and independence, and work closely with teachers and support staff to follow individual plans throughout term time.

Qualifications

• Previous SEN experience highly desirable, especially with complex or severe needs.
• Experience in teaching assistant, care, youth work, healthcare, childcare, or support roles.
• Resilient, calm under pressure; able to build relationships with pupils.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support.
• Build strong, trusting relationships with pupils.
• Support pupils with their learning and development.
• Help children manage emotions and regulate their behaviour.
• Provide reassurance and encouragement throughout the school day.
• Support communication and social development.
• Encourage independence and confidence.
• Help manage behaviours of concern calmly and consistently.
• Work closely with teachers and wider support staff.
• Follow individual education, behaviour and support plans.

Skills

SEN experience

Patience

Communication skills

Relationship-building

Calm under pressure

Job description

Nurturing SEN Teaching Assistant - Specialist School

Location: Chesterfield

Pay: £95-£125 per day, depending on experience

Contract: Full-time | Term Time Only

Tradewind Recruitment are currently looking for a warm, patient and nurturing SEN Teaching Assistant to join a specialist school in Chesterfield. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who is passionate about working with children and young people with additional needs and understands the importance of building trust, creating strong relationships and providing consistent support.

The successful candidate will support pupils who may have autism, severe learning difficulties, communication needs, SEMH needs and complex behavioural needs.

The Role

You will play an important role in helping pupils feel safe, supported and able to engage with their education.

• Providing 1:1 and small-group support
• Building strong, trusting relationships with pupils
• Supporting pupils with their learning and development
• Helping children manage emotions and regulate their behaviour
• Providing reassurance and encouragement throughout the school day
• Supporting communication and social development
• Encouraging pupils to develop independence and confidence
• Helping manage behaviours of concern in a calm and consistent manner
• Working closely with teachers and wider support staff
• Following individual education, behaviour and support plans

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for someone who is naturally caring, patient and nurturing and who genuinely wants to make a difference. Previous SEN experience would be highly desirable, particularly experience supporting children with complex or severe additional needs. We would also welcome applications from candidates with transferable experience in:

• Teaching Assistant roles
• Care and residential support
• Youth work
• Healthcare
• Childcare
• Support work
• Behavioural or emotional support

You will need to be resilient, remain calm under pressure and understand that building a relationship with a pupil can be just as important as supporting their academic progress.

What We're Looking For

• Experience working with children or young people
• A genuine passion for working within SEN
• A calm, patient and nurturing personality
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Confidence supporting pupils with additional needs
• The ability to remain consistent when faced with challenging behaviour
• A positive attitude and willingness to learn
• Previous SEN experience is desirable but not essential for the right candidate

What We Offer

• £95-£125 per day, depending on experience
• Full-time, term-time working
• The opportunity to work within a specialist SEN setting
• Ongoing support from your dedicated SEN Consultant
• Opportunities to develop your SEN experience
• A rewarding role where your support can make a genuine difference