SEN Teaching Assistant

Five Education; Harry Stoke; On-site; GBP 19,500 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free DBS check

Specialist training like Team Teach

Mentoring and support while you work

Bonus for referrals

Job summary

Five Education in Bristol is seeking a dedicated Teaching Assistant to support pupils with diverse needs in a busy special school environment. The role involves 1:1 and small‑group support, promoting focus, resilience, and positive learning behaviours throughout the school day.

You will work closely with teachers to adapt activities for ASD, ADHD, and other needs, build trust with pupils, and help create a safe, inclusive classroom where every child can reach their potential.

Qualifications

• Experience as a Teaching Assistant or related role in an educational setting.
• Experience supporting pupils with SEND and/or mental health challenges is advantageous.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills with a patient, compassionate approach.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils 1:1 and in small groups, both in class and during activities.
• Help pupils stay focused, calm, and regulated throughout the day.
• Adapt learning activities to meet individual needs and abilities.
• Support pupils with ASD, ADHD, learning disabilities, speech and language needs, and behavioural challenges.
• Build trusting relationships with pupils and staff to enable growth.

Skills

Teaching Assistant

Support for SEND

Behaviour management

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Job description

An excellent, well-resourced special school in Bristol is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Teaching Assistant to join their supportive team. This role involves working with pupils who have Special Educational Needs and/or mental health challenges, providing 1:1 and small-group support throughout the school day.

This opportunity would suit someone with experience as a Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant (LSA), Support Worker, Care Worker, Youth Worker, or similar. However, applicants from related backgrounds such as mental health, sport, care, or youth work are also encouraged to apply.

The school has fantastic feedback from parents and supply staff and is known for its welcoming, inclusive environment. It is easily accessible by public transport and requires staff who can commit to full-time (5 days per week). For experienced candidates, pay rates can reflect this.

The Role Will Involve

• Supporting pupils 1:1 and in small groups, both in the classroom and during outdoor activities
• Helping pupils remain focused, calm, and regulated throughout the day
• Adapting learning activities to meet individual pupil needs
• Supporting pupils with a range of needs, including Autism (ASD), ADHD, learning disabilities, speech and language difficulties, sensory needs, and behavioural challenges
• Building strong, trusting relationships with pupils and staff to help pupils reach their full potential
• Creating and maintaining a safe, stimulating, and positive learning environment

Who We're Looking For

• Kind, patient, and compassionate individuals
• Emotionally resilient and able to remain calm in challenging situations
• Confident in managing behaviour and supporting emotional regulation
• Strong communicators with a positive, proactive mindset
• Able to build rapport with young people, especially those who may struggle to trust adults
• Previous SEND experience is desirable but not essential if you can demonstrate relevant transferable skills

Essential requirements

• Right to work in the UK - we are unable to offer Sponsorship or accept Skilled Worker visas.
• Able to provide two recent references (from the last two years).
• Hold a current DBS check registered on the Update Service, or be willing to apply for one.
• Please note, if you do not have a Non-Voluntary Enhanced DBS on the Update Service, we will need to help you process a new one at a cost of £62.70. This will be refunded after 20 days of work with us.

What can Five Education offer you

• Check out our Google reviews for one of the best supply experiences in Bristol! We offer free specialised training in areas such as Team Teach, Makaton, PMLD/SLD Awareness, Autism Awareness, and more
• Free DBS (refunded when you work 20 days)
• Recommending a friend bonus scheme
• Specialist support/ mentoring while you are working

Pay: Five Education operates a PAYE payroll; this is the most transparent way to be paid with no hidden fees such as admin fee or employer's NI. Please note pay rate is for illustration and does include holiday pay.

Vetting: Five Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all of the staff we employ to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to undergo checks including reference checks, TRA checks and will need to have a DBS; there will also be an interview.

We welcome and encourage job applications from people of all backgrounds. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as they are currently under-represented at this level.