Sen Teaching Assistant

Zest Education; Hounslow; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Training on sensory integration

Supportive leadership

Job summary

Zest Education is seeking dedicated SEN Teaching Assistants for a warm, inclusive school in Chiswick. The role supports students aged 5 to 19, focusing on sensory regulation, task engagement, and personalised care plans during school hours.

We welcome candidates with transferable care or parent-related experience and a patient, resilient approach. An Enhanced DBS (Update Service) is required or willingness to obtain one. Training on sensory integration and speech/language tools is provided.

Qualifications

• Experience in a school is not essential but valued
• Must hold Enhanced DBS on Update Service or be willing to obtain one
• Strong communication and ability to build trust with students and staff

Responsibilities

• Support students with sensory and emotional regulation using calming strategies and tools
• Break down tasks to help students engage and complete activities
• Follow individual care and education plans to ensure consistency
• Assist with personal care routines when required and maintain dignity

Skills

Empathy

Patience

Interpersonal skills

Resilience

Job description

Hours: Full-time, Monday to Friday (School hours)

Are you looking for a truly rewarding role where your natural empathy and life experience can shine? A fantastic, supportive SEN school in Chiswick is looking for dedicated SEN Teaching Assistants to support their wonderful students aged 5 to 19.

We welcome candidates from all walks of life. If you have experience managing additional emotional and support needs through transferable roles—such as parenting, family care, or professional care work—your hands‑on experience and resilience are highly valued here.

Core Responsibilities

• Sensory & Emotional Regulation: Support students when they feel overwhelmed, using calming strategies and sensory tools to create a safe, stable environment.
• Task Engagement: Break down activities to help students focus, learn at their own pace, and successfully complete tasks.
• Care Plan Implementation: Follow individualized care and education plans closely to ensure consistency for every student.
• Personal Care: Provide respectful assistance with personal care routines (such as feeding, toileting, or changing) when required.

Candidate Requirements

• Experience & Background: Prior experience in a school is not essential. We highly welcome transferable skills from parents of children with additional needs, support workers, healthcare assistants, or care home staff.
• Attributes: Exceptionally patient, warm, resilient, and adaptive to the changing needs of children and young adults.
• Communication: Strong interpersonal skills to build trust with students, teachers, and therapists.
• Compliance: Must hold an Enhanced DBS on the Update Service (or be completely willing to undergo one with us).

What We Offer

• A welcoming, inclusive school environment with an incredibly supportive leadership team.
• Full training on sensory integration, positive behavior support, and speech/language tools.
• The chance to make a lasting, tangible impact on the lives of young people across Primary, Secondary, and Further Education stages.