Secondary SEND Teaching Assistant

Cover People UK; Greater Manchester; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

Cover People UK is seeking a dedicated Secondary SEND Teaching Assistant to support pupils with SEND at a school in Tameside. You will work with teachers to help pupils participate in lessons, develop independence and progress towards learning goals.

The role suits patient, flexible individuals who can adapt resources and strategies for different abilities, provide one-to-one or small-group support, and help maintain a safe, inclusive learning environment. ASAP start available.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting children or young people with SEND.
• Patient, understanding and flexible approach.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Providing one-to-one and small-group assistance during lessons.
• Helping pupils understand instructions and engage with learning activities.
• Adjusting resources and approaches to accommodate individual needs.
• Supporting pupils with communication, social interaction and emotional regulation.
• Encouraging independence, confidence and positive learning habits.

Skills

SEND support

Patience

Communication skills

Teamwork

Job description

Secondary SEND Teaching Assistant

Location: Tameside

Start Date: ASAP

Role: School-based SEND support

Pay: £95-£120 per day, depending on experience

Cover People are seeking a supportive and adaptable Teaching Assistant to work with secondary-aged pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) at a school in Tameside.

This opportunity would suit someone who enjoys helping young people overcome barriers to learning and can provide the patience, encouragement and structure needed to help pupils develop their skills and confidence.

The Role

You will work alongside teaching staff to help pupils participate in lessons, develop independence and make progress towards their individual learning goals.

Your responsibilities may include:

• Providing one-to-one and small-group assistance during lessons.
• Helping pupils understand instructions and engage with learning activities.
• Adjusting resources and approaches to accommodate individual needs.
• Supporting pupils with communication, social interaction and emotional regulation.
• Encouraging independence, confidence and positive learning habits.
• Reinforcing classroom expectations and supporting positive behaviour.
• Delivering targeted activities and interventions under teacher guidance.
• Helping pupils navigate routines and transitions throughout the school day.
• Monitoring engagement and sharing observations with the teaching team.
• Contributing to a safe, inclusive and supportive learning environment.
• Assisting with personal care where required and in line with agreed care plans.

About You

We're looking for someone who can build positive relationships with young people and respond calmly and constructively to different learning and behavioural needs.

You should have:

• Previous experience supporting children or young people with SEND.
• A patient, understanding and flexible approach.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Confidence supporting pupils with different abilities and levels of independence.
• The ability to encourage engagement while maintaining appropriate boundaries.
• Good teamwork skills and the ability to follow individual support strategies.
• A commitment to inclusion and helping every pupil reach their potential.

Experience in a secondary school or specialist SEND setting would be beneficial. We welcome candidates with backgrounds supporting autism, learning difficulties, communication needs or social, emotional and mental health needs.

Why Work Through Cover People?

• Opportunities to work within secondary SEND education.
• Experience supporting pupils with a range of additional needs.
• The opportunity to make a positive difference to young people's development.
• Support from a dedicated Cover People consultant.

If you're passionate about helping young people access education and develop their independence, we'd love to hear from you.

All pay rates include 12.07% statutory holiday pay where applicable.

Cover People are acting as an employment business on behalf of these schools. Successful applicants will be subject to safeguarding and vetting procedures in line with statutory guidance, including an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.

Cover People is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment.