SEN Teaching Assistant

Tradewind Recruitment; Leigh; On-site; GBP 13,000 - 18,000; Full time

Job summary

Tradewind Recruitment LTD. is recruiting a dedicated 1:1 SEN Support Worker for a mainstream primary school in Leigh. The role involves supporting a pupil with ASC and PMLD, tailoring learning materials and liaising with the SENCO and therapists to enable access to the curriculum.

The position is a long-term supply role, full-time, Monday to Friday, with an ASAP start and school-hour duties.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting children with autism (ASC), profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD) or complex medical needs.
• Enhanced DBS certificate registered with Update Service (or willingness to apply immediately).
• Experience in a school setting is advantageous.
• Empathy, patience, resilience, flexibility and a caring nature.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 in-class support to a pupil with ASC and PMLD, adapting activities to the learner's pace.
• Assist with personal care, manual handling, feeding and medical needs as required (full training provided).
• Implement alternative communication methods (PECS, Makaton, visual schedules) to aid expression.
• Support sensory regulation, movement breaks and emotional regulation strategies.
• Foster positive peer relationships and safeguarding in line with policies.

Job description

1:1 SEN Support Worker (Autism & PMLD)

• Location: Leigh (easily accessible via local transport links)
• School Type: Mainstream Primary School
• Contract Type: Long-Term Supply to start as soon as possible
• Pay Rate: per day (Dependent on experience)
• Hours: Full-Time, Monday to Friday (School hours)

About the School

We are looking for a compassionate and dedicated 1:1 SEN Support Worker to join a welcoming mainstream primary school based in the Leigh area.

The school is deeply committed to inclusive education, ensuring that every child regardless of their level of need is fully integrated into the school community, feels valued, and is supported to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

The Role

Working on a 1:1 basis, you will provide dedicated support to a primary-aged pupil with Autistic Spectrum Conditions (ASC) and Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD) within a mainstream classroom environment.

You will work closely with the class teacher, SENCO, and external therapists to adapt learning materials, manage sensory needs, and facilitate positive social interactions with peers. Your goal is to create a safe, reassuring, and stimulating environment that empowers the student to access the curriculum and enjoy their school day.

Key Responsibilities

• 1:1 In-Class Support: Assist the pupil with autism and PMLD throughout lessons, adapting classroom activities to suit their individual learning pace and style.
• Personal Care & Medical Support: Support the student with personal care routines, manual handling, feeding, and any specific medical needs as required (full training provided).
• Communication & Engagement: Implement alternative and augmentative communication methods (such as PECS, Makaton, or visual schedules) to help the student express their needs and understand daily routines.
• Sensory & Emotional Regulation: Help deliver sensory integration strategies, movement breaks, and emotional regulation techniques to keep the pupil calm and focused.
• Peer Inclusion: Foster positive relationships and encouraging social interaction between the pupil and their mainstream peers during class time and playtimes.
• Safeguarding: Maintain a vigilant approach to safeguarding and pupil welfare in line with school policies and statutory guidelines.

Candidate Requirements

• Experience: Previous experience supporting children or adults with Special Educational Needs, specifically Autism (ASC), PMLD, complex medical needs, or physical disabilities (experience as an SEN Teaching Assistant, Care Worker, or Support Worker is ideal). Experience within a school setting is a plus.
• Attributes: High levels of empathy, patience, resilience, flexibility, and a genuinely caring nature.
• Skills: A practical, hands-on approach with a willingness to learn specialised care techniques (such as manual handling and medical administration) and adapt to a busy mainstream classroom environment.
• Vetting: Must hold a valid Enhanced Child Workforce DBS certificate registered on the Update Service (or be willing to apply for one immediately).