Sen Teaching Assistant

Equitas Group; Chaddleworth; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialist independent school in Newbury is seeking a dedicated SEN Teaching Assistant to support pupils with unique learning needs. The role involves providing tailored support, promoting emotional well-being, and working closely with teachers and therapeutic staff to create an inclusive learning environment. The ideal candidate will have experience working with children with special educational needs, possess strong communication skills, and demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding and pupil welfare.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting children or young people with SEND or SEMH needs.
• Ability to stay calm, compassionate and patient in challenging situations.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide one‑to‑one and small‑group support for pupils with SEN.
• Help create a safe, structured and engaging learning environment.
• Support pupils to develop social skills, independence, and engagement.

Skills

Experience supporting children or young people with SEND or SEMH needs

Strong communication and teamwork skills

Ability to stay calm, compassionate and patient in challenging situations

Job description

SEN Teaching Assistant – New Barn School, Newbury

Location : Newbury

Role : SEN Teaching Assistant

School Type : Specialist Independent School (SEMH / SEN)

Hours : Full-time, term-time

About New Barn School

New Barn School provides a nurturing, therapeutic and highly individualised learning environment for children and young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs (SEMH), Autism, and associated learning differences. The school focuses on building trust, promoting positive behaviour, and helping pupils achieve both personal and academic success through tailored support and trauma‑informed practice.

Job Purpose

To support pupils with a range of additional needs in accessing learning, regulating emotions, and developing confidence and independence. Working closely with teachers, SENCO, and therapeutic staff, you will help create a safe, structured and engaging learning environment that enables every pupil to thrive.

Key Responsibilities

Pupil Support

• Provide one‑to‑one and small‑group support for pupils with SEN, including SEMH, Autism, ADHD, and communication needs.
• Implement tailored learning and behaviour support strategies under the guidance of teachers and therapists.
• Promote emotional regulation, resilience and positive behaviour through calm, consistent approaches.
• Support pupils to develop social skills, independence, and engagement in classroom activities.

Teaching & Learning

• Assist in delivering differentiated learning activities adapted to individual needs.
• Support literacy, numeracy and functional skills interventions as directed (e.g., Read Write Inc, Numicon).
• Prepare resources and create engaging, structured environments that support learning.
• Reinforce lesson content and help pupils remain focused and motivated.

Behaviour & Wellbeing Support

• Apply trauma‑informed and therapeutic strategies to support pupils in moments of dysregulation.
• Contribute to behaviour plans, risk assessments, and personalised support programmes.
• Encourage and model positive relationships, communication and problem‑solving.

Collaboration & Communication

• Work closely with class teachers, SENCO, therapists and pastoral staff to ensure consistent, coordinated support.
• Communicate effectively with colleagues regarding pupil progress, challenges and wellbeing.
• Provide feedback that contributes to reviews, assessments and personalised learning plans (PLPs / EHCPs).

School Environment

• Help maintain a positive, safe and inclusive learning environment.
• Supervise pupils during transitions, break times and off‑site activities where required.
• Support the school’s safeguarding, behaviour, and safeguarding policies at all times.

Person Specification

Essential

• Experience supporting children or young people with SEND or SEMH needs.
• Ability to stay calm, compassionate and patient in challenging situations.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Willingness to use therapeutic approaches and follow behaviour support plans.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting pupil welfare.

Desirable

• Experience in SEMH, ASD or specialist settings.
• Training in de‑escalation or positive behaviour support (e.g., PRICE, Team Teach).
• Understanding of trauma‑informed practice.
• Knowledge of literacy and numeracy intervention approaches (e.g., RWI, Numicon).