Secondary SEN Teaching Assistant

Tradewind Recruitment; Desborough; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

Tradewind Recruitment is recruiting a dedicated Secondary SEN Teaching Assistant for a residential education setting in Kettering. The role supports five secondary students with Severe Learning Difficulties in a highly personalised programme, focusing on sensory-based learning and communication development.

The successful candidate will work within a multidisciplinary team, using PECS, Makaton, and visual communication strategies to enable access to activities and progress academically, socially

Qualifications

• Experience working with children or young people with SEN is essential.
• Confident in supporting students with Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD).
• Calm, nurturing approach to behaviour management for varied needs.
• Willing to support students who may become dysregulated and work in a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Support students to access activities using alternative communication methods (PECS, Makaton, visual supports).
• Assist in implementing personalised learning plans in a residential education setting.
• Collaborate with HLTA and other TA to support five secondary students.

Skills

SEN experience

SLD experience

Behaviour management

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Tools

PECS

Makaton

Visual supports

Job description

Secondary SEN Teaching Assistant - Residential Education Setting (Kettering)

Tradewind Recruitment is currently seeking a dedicated and compassionate Secondary SEN Teaching Assistant to join one of our specialist partner provisions in Kettering from September 2026.

This is an exciting opportunity to work within a small educational setting attached to a residential home, supporting a group of secondary-aged students with Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD). The provision offers a highly personalised approach to education, creating a safe and structured environment where students can develop academically, socially and emotionally.

The class currently consists of five students, supported by a collaborative team that includes a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) and another experienced Teaching Assistant. Due to the complex needs of the students, we're looking for an individual who is patient, resilient and passionate about making a positive difference.

The curriculum is tailored to meet the individual needs of each student and focuses heavily on sensory-based learning and communication development. Teaching Assistants play a vital role in supporting students to access activities through alternative communication methods, including PECS, Makaton and visual communication strategies.

The successful candidate will:

• Have previous experience working with children or young people with SEN
• Be confident supporting students with Severe Learning Difficulties
• Have a calm and nurturing approach to behaviour management
• Be willing to support students who may become dysregulated
• Work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Be committed to helping students achieve their full potential

This position is being offered on a 12-week temp-to-perm basis, providing an excellent opportunity for someone looking to secure a long-term role within a specialist setting.

In return, Tradewind Recruitment offers ongoing support, access to high-quality CPD through the National College and the opportunity to work with one of the UK's leading education recruitment agencies.