Secondary SEN Teaching Assistant

Tradewind Recruitment; Kettering; On-site; GBP 12,398,000 - 17,909,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

CPD through National College

Temp-to-perm pathway

Support from Tradewind Recruitment

Job summary

Tradewind Recruitment is seeking a Secondary SEN Teaching Assistant to join a residential education setting in Kettering from September 2026. You will support five secondary students with Severe Learning Difficulties in a small, structured environment, using PECS, Makaton and visual communication to aid learning.

You will work as part of a multidisciplinary team alongside HLTA and other TAs, contributing to a personalised education plan and student development across academic, social, and

Qualifications

• 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

Responsibilities

• Support a group of secondary students with SLD in a residential education setting
• Use alternative communication methods (PECS, Makaton, visual cues)
• Collaborate with HLTA and other Teaching Assistants
• Assist in accessing activities and tailoring the curriculum to individual needs

Skills

SEN experience

Calm demeanor

Team collaboration

Behaviour management

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.