SEN Support Assistant

Tradewind Recruitment; Grays; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Tradewind Recruitment are seeking a dedicated SEN Support Assistant to join a welcoming school in Thurrock, Essex, from September 2026 on a full-time, long-term basis. You will work alongside teachers to support pupils with additional needs, reinforcing learning, developing communication and social skills, and providing pastoral support where needed.

The role focuses on creating a positive learning environment and building strong relationships with pupils and staff.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children or young people with Special Educational Needs would be advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Providing targeted support to pupils throughout the school day.
• Working with individuals and small groups to reinforce learning.
• Helping pupils overcome barriers that may affect their progress.
• Supporting the development of communication, social and independence skills.
• Encouraging positive attitudes towards learning.
• Assisting pupils who require additional pastoral or emotional support.
• Helping implement personalised strategies and interventions.
• Supporting classroom routines and maintaining a positive learning environment.
• Building strong, trusting relationships with pupils.
• Sharing observations and progress with teachers and the SEN team.

Skills

Caring

Reliable

Patient

Adaptable

Job description

SEN Support Assistant - Thurrock, Essex

Full-Time September 2026 Start Long-Term Opportunity

Tradewind Recruitment are recruiting for a SEN Support Assistant to join a welcoming and inclusive school in Thurrock from September 2026.

This role would suit someone who is passionate about working with children who need additional support and who can provide the patience, encouragement and consistency needed to help pupils make progress.

The Opportunity

You will become an important part of the school's support team, working alongside teachers and other professionals to ensure pupils with additional needs are able to engage positively with school life.

The role will involve:

• Providing targeted support to pupils throughout the school day

• Working with individuals and small groups to reinforce learning

• Helping pupils overcome barriers that may affect their progress

• Supporting the development of communication, social and independence skills

• Encouraging positive attitudes towards learning

• Assisting pupils who require additional pastoral or emotional support

• Helping implement personalised strategies and interventions

• Supporting classroom routines and maintaining a positive learning environment

• Building strong, trusting relationships with pupils

• Sharing observations and progress with teachers and the SEN team

About You

The successful candidate will be caring, reliable, patient and adaptable, with the confidence to respond appropriately to different pupil needs.

Experience working with children or young people with Special Educational Needs would be advantageous. The school would particularly welcome candidates with experience of Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, SEMH, speech and language needs or behavioural difficulties.

Previous experience as a Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant, SEN Support Worker, Care Worker or Youth Worker would be beneficial, although candidates with strong transferable skills are also encouraged to apply.

Why Tradewind Recruitment?

• Competitive rates of pay

• Full-time, long-term opportunity

• September 2026 start

• Dedicated consultant support

• Access to professional development and CPD

• PAYE - no umbrella company fees

• My-Progression CPD programme

• Access to a wide range of education opportunities across Essex

If you are looking for a role where your support can have a genuine and lasting impact on children's education and wellbeing, this could be the opportunity for you.