SEN Teaching Assistant

Long Term Futures Ltd; East Finchley; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive daily pay £108.68–£115

Full-time long-term temp-to-perm

Career development within SEN setting

Recruitment and compliance support

Job summary

Long Term Futures Ltd are recruiting a dedicated SEN Teaching Assistant to join a specialist SEN school in East Finchley, Barnet. This full-time role involves supporting pupils with special educational needs through 1:1, small-group and classroom support.

Ideal candidates bring patience and a proactive approach; previous SEN school experience is beneficial, but transferable care or support work is also welcomed.

Qualifications

• Previous experience supporting children or young people with special educational needs.
• Patience, empathy and adaptability to different learning needs.
• Ability to support pupils individually and in small groups.
• Strong communication with teachers and school staff.
• Reliable, professional attitude and ability to follow plans and procedures.
• Full-time availability for a long-term placement.
• Clear understanding of safeguarding children and young people.
• An Enhanced DBS check (Update Service) or willingness to complete one.
• Experience in a specialist SEN setting is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Provide tailored 1:1 support to pupils with special educational needs.
• Assist teachers in delivering accessible lessons by adapting support.
• Support small groups of pupils with structured learning activities.
• Help pupils develop confidence, communication and independence.
• Promote positive behaviour with clear expectations and support.
• Work collaboratively with teaching staff to maintain a calm, inclusive environment.
• Observe pupil engagement and progress, sharing feedback with teachers.
• Prepare and organise classroom resources for planned activities.
• Build professional, supportive relationships with pupils while maintaining boundaries.
• Follow school safeguarding procedures and report welfare concerns promptly.

Skills

Patience

Empathy

Adaptability

Strong communication

Reliability

Professional attitude

Full-time availability

Safeguarding understanding

DBS update willingness

Job description

SEN Teaching Assistant - Specialist SEN School, East Finchley (N2)

Location: East Finchley, Barnet, North London, N2
Pay: £108.68-£115 per day
Contract Type: Full-time, long-term temporary to permanent
Start Date: ASAP, subject to interview and compliance checks
Commutable from: Finchley Central, Muswell Hill, Highgate, Archway, Golders Green, Wood Green and Hendon

Long Term Futures are recruiting a dedicated SEN Teaching Assistant to join a specialist SEN school in East Finchley, Barnet. This full-time opportunity involves supporting pupils with special educational needs through a combination of individual assistance, small-group activities and wider classroom support.

We are looking for someone who can bring patience, consistency and a positive approach to supporting pupils with different learning needs. Previous SEN school experience would be beneficial, but we are also keen to hear from applicants with relevant experience in care, residential support or other settings where they have supported individuals with additional needs.

Responsibilities

• Provide tailored 1:1 support to pupils with special educational needs, helping them engage with learning and classroom activities.
• Assist teachers in delivering accessible lessons by adapting your support to individual pupils' abilities and learning requirements.
• Support small groups of pupils with structured learning activities, encouraging participation and understanding.
• Help pupils develop confidence, communication skills and greater independence throughout the school day.
• Promote positive behaviour through consistent encouragement, clear expectations and appropriate support strategies.
• Work collaboratively with teaching staff to maintain a calm, inclusive and supportive learning environment.
• Observe pupil engagement and progress, sharing relevant feedback with teachers to inform ongoing support.
• Prepare and organise classroom resources to help pupils access planned activities.
• Build professional, supportive relationships with pupils while maintaining appropriate boundaries.
• Follow school safeguarding procedures and report any welfare concerns promptly.

Essential Candidate Requirements

• Previous experience supporting children or young people with special educational needs, or relevant transferable experience from care, residential or support work.
• A patient, empathetic and adaptable approach to working with pupils who have different learning and communication needs.
• Confidence supporting pupils individually, in small groups and within classroom environments.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively alongside teachers and other school staff.
• A reliable, professional attitude and willingness to follow individual support plans and school procedures.
• Availability to work full-time throughout a long-term placement.
• A clear understanding of professional boundaries and a commitment to safeguarding children and young people.
• An Enhanced DBS registered on the Update Service, or willingness to complete a new Enhanced DBS check.
• Experience within a specialist SEN school, including supporting pupils with autism, learning difficulties or communication needs, would be advantageous. However, applicants from relevant care and support backgrounds are encouraged to apply where they can demonstrate transferable skills and a genuine interest in working in education.

What Long Term Futures Offers

• Competitive daily pay of £108.68-£115, depending on experience.
• A full-time, long-term opportunity with the potential to transition into a permanent school position.
• The opportunity to develop practical experience within a specialist SEN education setting.
• Support throughout the recruitment and compliance process.

Suitable candidates will be contacted to discuss their experience, suitability and availability. The next steps will involve registration and compliance checks, followed by a school interview or trial day where appropriate.

Long Term Futures is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment checks, including an Enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references