SEN Classroom Assistant

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

Job summary

A specialist education agency is seeking a dedicated SEN Classroom Assistant in Torbay to support children with complex needs. In this role, you'll help students access learning and develop essential life skills while fostering a safe and supportive classroom environment. Applicants should have experience with children facing emotional and behavioral challenges, strong collaboration skills, and a commitment to safeguarding. This position is full-time Monday through Friday during school hours.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting children with SEN, SEMH, additional needs, or behavioral challenges.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding and inclusive practice.
• Calm and nurturing approach to emotional difficulties.

Responsibilities

• Support the teacher in delivering child-centered activities.
• Build trusting relationships that promote positive behavior.
• Implement strategies recommended by SENCOs and therapists.

Skills

Supporting children with SEN

Emotional regulation

Collaboration with teaching staff

Experience with behavioural challenges

Tools

Visual communication (e.g., PECs)

Makaton

Job description

We are seeking a patient, enthusiastic and dedicated SEN Classroom Assistant to join a specialist school in Torbay. In this role, you will support children with a range of complex needs, helping them access learning, develop essential life skills and feel safe, regulated and confident within the classroom environment.

• Support the teacher in delivering differentiated, child‑centred activities tailored to individual SEN and EHCP targets.
• Build warm, trusting relationships that promote emotional regulation, engagement and positive behaviour.
• Provide 1:1 and small‑group support for pupils with diverse needs, including autism, SEMH, communication needs, sensory needs and developmental delays.
• Implement strategies recommended by SENCOs, therapists and pastoral staff to ensure consistency and progress.
• Assist in developing and following personalised support plans, sensory profiles and behavioural strategies.
• Encourage independence, communication and social interaction through structured routines, modelling and visual supports.
• Support pupils with emotional regulation, de‑escalation and therapeutic approaches in line with school policies.
• Maintain accurate notes, observations and safeguarding records as required.

• Experience supporting children with SEN, SEMH, additional needs or behavioural challenges.
• A calm, nurturing and resilient approach when supporting pupils through emotional or behavioural difficulties.
• Full availability Monday–Friday during school hours.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding, inclusive practice and trauma‑informed support.
• Ability to work effectively within a team and follow guidance from teaching and SEN staff.

• Experience working in specialist or alternative provisions.
• Familiarity with sensory regulation strategies, visual communication (e.g., PECs), Makaton or de‑escalation techniques.
• Confidence contributing to observations, progress notes or SEN support documentation.
• Understanding of SEMH and therapeutic, relational behaviour approaches.

This position requires:

• Two years of professional references
• An Enhanced DBS on the Update Service (assistance provided if needed)
• Overseas police checks if applicable

Please note: Applications from outside the UK cannot be considered.

If you feel you are a strong match for this role, please apply with an up‑to‑date CV.
A member of our team will be in touch regarding the next steps.