SEN Teaching Assistant

Wiltshire; Devizes; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A local special education institution in the United Kingdom is looking for dedicated support staff to assist pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The role promotes outdoor learning and sensory exploration while fostering a positive environment. Ideal candidates will bring patience, strong communication skills, and creativity to support young learners. This position involves a permanent contract of 30 hours per week during term time only, with competitive hourly pay and an opportunity to make a significant impact on students' lives.

Benefits

Structured induction programme

Training opportunities

Supportive team environment

Opportunities for professional development

Qualifications

• Experience of working with children with SEND is advantageous.
• Genuine passion for supporting young learners.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks effectively.

Responsibilities

• Provide tailored support to pupils with SEND needs.
• Support children in hydrotherapy sessions.
• Promote positive behavior and emotional skills.

Skills

Experience working with children with SEN

Calm and patient approach

Strong organizational skills

Effective communication

Empathy

Job description

Salary

Salary: Grade F, £14.13–£14.82 per hour

Hours of work

Hours of work: 30 hours per week (Mon‑Fri) 08.50 – 15.25

Contract type

Contract type: Permanent, Term Time Only

This is not a Wiltshire Council vacancy therefore please contact Silverwood School for further information.

A bit about us

Silverwood School is an inspirational and forward‑thinking maintained special school based in the heart of Wiltshire and spread across three campuses. Our school is dedicated to supporting pupils aged 4‑19 years with a wide range of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Our mission is to enhance opportunities, enjoyment and empower every pupil to reach their full potential. Our vision is ambitious ‘Building Community; Inspiring Learning’, to create a truly integrated and inclusive system of outstanding education for all young people with SEND needs.

We are proud to be a Values Based Education (VBE) School and place our shared values at the heart of everything we do. Our values are principles that guide all our actions, decisions and relationships. At Silverwood School, we have chosen cooperation, courage, honesty, perseverance, respect and kindness as our six shared values. VBE goes beyond learning what our values mean; it encompasses living and experiencing our values every day.

Joining our team means becoming part of a passionate, driven and skilled group of professionals who pride themselves in creating an environment where innovation and leadership are central to improving education.

• We offer a bespoke and tailored package of training opportunities to work with external professionals, alongside ongoing CPD opportunities
• All staff upon joining attend a structured, well supported and informative induction programme.
• Our staff are given freedom to teach and tailor lessons to meet pupil’s individual needs and are not constrained in the way mainstream schools can be.
• All staff have a strong sense of shared purpose and vision, clarity of values and use these daily to guide our actions, interactions and decision making and are at the heart of everything we do.
• Working here isn’t always easy but it is deeply rewarding. Every day brings opportunities to learn, connect and change lives.

What our staff are saying:

“Silverwood has a real sense of community and we are forever evolving and changing as a school. It’s a really exciting and inspirational place to work with fantastic people in every department and level in the school.”

“I absolutely love my job and look forward to coming into school every day. I love the team I work with and fully trust and respect them all. They support me 100% as I do them.”

All about the role

Key responsibilities:

• Provide tailored support to pupils with a range of SEND needs and disabilities
• Support children attending water confidence sessions in the onsite hydrotherapy pool
• Support outdoor learning lessons in our extensive outdoor areas and work with school animals to enhance learning and engagement
• Promote positive behaviour and support the developments of pupils social and emotional skills
• Work collaboratively with colleagues and contribute to a shared team ethos
• Foster an environment rich in sensory experiences and structured exploration
• Liaise with teachers, SENCO, behaviour support team and designated safeguarding leads to ensure consistent and high‑quality support.

The ideal candidate will:

• Experience of working with children with SEN is advantageous but not essential
• Have a calm patient and resilient approach with a genuine passion for supporting young learners
• Communicate clearly and effectively with pupils, families and professionals
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks
• Be imaginative, patient and empathetic in responding to pupil needs
• Support and value outdoor learning and sensory-based play
• Ability to work well as part of a team, while also using initiative when necessary

Find out more and apply

Please complete a Silverwood School Application Form and return it to [e-mail].

Closing date (and time): 02.01.2026

Interview date: TBC

Commencement date: ASAP

This school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

All applicants will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check before appointment is confirmed.

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