SEN - Sen Teaching Assistant

Senploy; Maidstone; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Term-time-only

8:30am-3:30pm hours

Long-term temporary assignment

November/December 2026 start

Job summary

Classroom Support is seeking an experienced SEN Teaching Assistant in central Maidstone to provide essential 1:1 support to a pupil with Autism (ASD). The role spans inside and outside the classroom, helping access the curriculum and develop confidence within a welcoming mainstream primary school.

The successful candidate will have prior ASD experience, a calm approach to challenging situations, and a flexible, proactive attitude. Term-time-only, Monday–Friday, start November/December 2026.

Qualifications

• Previous experience supporting children or young people with Autism (ASD).
• Experience working with individuals who require additional or specialist support.
• A good understanding of autism and how it can affect learning, communication and behaviour.
• Confidence managing challenging situations using a calm, patient and consistent approach.
• Resilience, empathy and excellent relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide dedicated 1:1 support to a primary-aged pupil with Autism (ASD).
• Support the pupil inside and outside the classroom.
• Help the child access the curriculum and engage with daily learning activities.
• Use positive behaviour management strategies to encourage engagement and manage challenging situations.
• Support emotional regulation, communication, social interaction and independence.
• Build a trusting and consistent relationship with the pupil.
• Work closely with the class teacher and wider school team to implement support strategies.
• Carry out additional duties as directed by the class teacher.
• Provide occasional lunchtime cover when required.

Skills

Autism (ASD) experience

1:1 support

Behaviour management

Emotional regulation

Relationship building

Patience and resilience

Adaptability

Education

Teaching Assistant qualification

Job description

Contract: Long-term Temporary - Term Time Only

Are you an experienced SEN Teaching Assistant looking for a rewarding opportunity where you can make a genuine difference to a child's education and development?

Classroom Support is delighted to be working with a welcoming and well-established two-form entry mainstream primary school in central Maidstone. We are currently recruiting for a dedicated and experienced SEN Teaching Assistant to provide essential 1:1 support to a pupil with Autism (ASD).

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is passionate about supporting children with additional needs and has the patience, resilience and understanding required to help a pupil thrive both academically and emotionally.

The successful candidate will provide consistent, dedicated support both inside and outside the classroom, helping the pupil access learning, develop confidence and engage positively with the school environment.

This is a long-term opportunity, working Monday to Friday during term time, with a November/December 2026 start.

What does the role involve?

• Providing dedicated 1:1 support to a primary-aged pupil with Autism (ASD).
• Providing dedicated 1:1 support to a primary-aged pupil with Autism (ASD).
• Supporting the pupil both within the classroom and during activities outside the classroom.
• Supporting the pupil both within the classroom and during activities outside the classroom.
• Helping the child access the curriculum and engage with daily learning activities.
• Helping the child access the curriculum and engage with daily learning activities.
• Using positive behaviour management strategies to encourage engagement and manage challenging situations.
• Using positive behaviour management strategies to encourage engagement and manage challenging situations.
• Supporting emotional regulation, communication, social interaction and independence.
• Supporting emotional regulation, communication, social interaction and independence.
• Building a trusting and consistent relationship with the pupil.
• Building a trusting and consistent relationship with the pupil.
• Working closely with the class teacher and wider school team to implement appropriate support strategies.
• Working closely with the class teacher and wider school team to implement appropriate support strategies.
• Carrying out additional duties as directed by the class teacher.
• Carrying out additional duties as directed by the class teacher.
• Providing occasional lunchtime cover when required.
• Providing occasional lunchtime cover when required.

What we're looking for:

• Previous experience supporting children or young people with Autism (ASD).
• Previous experience supporting children or young people with Autism (ASD).
• Experience working with individuals who require additional or specialist support.
• Experience working with individuals who require additional or specialist support.
• A good understanding of autism and how it can affect learning, communication and behaviour.
• A good understanding of autism and how it can affect learning, communication and behaviour.
• Confidence managing challenging situations using a calm, patient and consistent approach.
• Confidence managing challenging situations using a calm, patient and consistent approach.
• Resilience, empathy and excellent relationship-building skills.
• Resilience, empathy and excellent relationship-building skills.
• The ability to provide dedicated 1:1 support and adapt to the individual needs of a child.
• The ability to provide dedicated 1:1 support and adapt to the individual needs of a child.
• A flexible and proactive attitude.
• A flexible and proactive attitude.
• A relevant Teaching Assistant qualification would be advantageous but is not essential.
• A relevant Teaching Assistant qualification would be advantageous but is not essential.

Experience supporting children with SEN through either professional employment or relevant personal experience will also be considered.

We are particularly interested in candidates who understand that every child is different and can provide the consistency, encouragement and positive support needed to help a pupil reach their full potential.

What's on offer?

• Monday-Friday working pattern.
• Monday-Friday working pattern.
• Consistent hours of 8:30am-3:30pm.
• Consistent hours of 8:30am-3:30pm.
• Long-term, ongoing temporary opportunity.
• Long-term, ongoing temporary opportunity.
• Term-time-only working.
• Term-time-only working.
• November/December 2026 start.
• November/December 2026 start.
• The opportunity to work within a welcoming and supportive mainstream primary school.
• The opportunity to work within a welcoming and supportive mainstream primary school.
• Valuable experience developing your skills within SEN education.
• Valuable experience developing your skills within SEN education.
• The opportunity to make a genuine difference to a child's school experience.
• The opportunity to make a genuine difference to a child's school experience.

Enhanced DBS Requirements

Candidates must hold an Enhanced DBS certificate with Children's Barred List check, registered on the DBS Update Service, or be willing to obtain a new Enhanced DBS and register it on the Update Service.

Classroom Support can assist candidates with arranging a new DBS application where required.

Safeguarding & Compliance

Classroom Support is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This role requires a strong understanding of safeguarding and child protection.

Successful applicants will be subject to safer recruitment checks, including:

• An Enhanced DBS check with Children's Barred List (registered on the Update Service), or willingness to obtain one.
• An Enhanced DBS check with Children's Barred List (registered on the Update Service), or willingness to obtain one.
• Professional reference checks.
• Professional reference checks.
• Right to work verification.
• Right to work verification.
• Any additional pre-employment checks required in line with Department for Education guidance.
• Any additional pre-employment checks required in line with Department for Education guidance.

If you're passionate about supporting children with Special Educational Needs and want to make a genuine difference every day, we'd love to hear from you.

If this position isn't quite right for you, we also work with a wide range of Mainstream and SEN Primary and Secondary schools across Kent and may have another role that's a perfect fit.