SEN Assistant - January Start

Teaching Personnel; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational staffing agency in Portsmouth is seeking adaptable and compassionate Teaching Assistants for SEN and SEMH schools starting in January. Candidates should have experience in similar settings and will support individualised education across diverse needs. Flexibility and collaboration with teachers is essential, and full-time, part-time, and temporary roles are available.

Benefits

CPD opportunities including training on autism and communication

Free child protection and prevent duty training

Support with DBS checks

Qualifications

• Experience within SEN and/or SEMH settings is encouraged.
• Prior experience in healthcare or youth work is beneficial.
• Willingness to obtain a valid enhanced DBS check.

Responsibilities

• Support differentiated lessons for various abilities.
• Collaborate with Teachers and other staff.
• Assist in creating inclusive learning environments.

Skills

Adaptability

Compassion

Trauma-informed approaches

Communication skills

Education

Previous experience in SEN or SEMH settings

Enhanced Child Workforce DBS on Update Service

Right to work in the UK

Job description

SEN & SEMH Teachers – January Start

Primary and Secondary SEN and SEMH (Special Educational Needs and Social, Emotional and Mental Health) schools in Portsmouth and the surrounding areas are seeking Teaching Assistants for January start dates. These settings support pupils with Autism, Learning Difficulties, communication needs, sensory processing needs, as well as pupils with SEMH needs who may present with challenging behaviour. Schools are looking for adaptable, resilient, and compassionate teaching assistants who can support in the implementation and delivery of high-quality, individualised education across a range of specialist environments.

As a Teaching Assistant in an SEN or SEMH school, you will:

• Support with carrying out highly differentiated lessons suited to a range of abilities and needs
• Be working with pupils of various ages, so flexibility to move around different classes is essential
• Work in collaboration with Teachers, SENCOs, therapists, and multi‑agency staff
• Have the opportunity to use varied communication systems (e.g., PECS, Makaton)
• In SEMH settings, support pupils through challenging behaviour using consistent, trauma‑informed approaches
• Assist in creating inclusive learning environments that are low‑arousal, predictable, and supportive
• Foster positive relationships that encourage communication, resilience, and independence

• Full‑time roles available; part‑time considered in some settings
• Term‑time only
• Short‑term, long‑term and permanent positions available
• CPD opportunities provided (autism training, communication approaches, behaviour training, etc.)
• Teaching Assistants with experience within SEN and/or SEMH settings are encouraged to apply

• Previous experience in an SEN or SEMH setting. Experience within similar settings such as healthcare, youth work etc. would be beneficial
• Enhanced Child Workforce DBS on the Update Service (or willingness to obtain)
• Right to work in the UK

To apply, please submit your CV to express your interest.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.

All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.

Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.

We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.

For details of our privacy policy, please visit the Teaching Personnel website.