SEN Teaching Assistant

Teach Now Limited; London Borough of Islington; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 22,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Welcoming community school

Collaboration with SEN team

Year 1 classroom experience

Continuity for pupils

Supportive maternity-cover placement

Job summary

Teach Now Limited is seeking a dedicated SEN Teaching Assistant to join a welcoming Islington primary school for Year 1 on a maternity-cover contract. You will support children with high SEN needs throughout the day, working closely with the class teacher and the SEN team to adapt learning and build communication, confidence and independence.

The role starts January 2027 and offers a structured, supportive environment with opportunities to develop inclusive practice and build trusting

Qualifications

• Experience supporting children with high SEN needs.
• Experience in a primary setting, ideally Early Years or Key Stage 1.
• Understanding of communication, sensory and emotional regulation needs.
• Experience supporting autistic children or pupils with complex communication needs would be valuable.
• Availability from January 2027 and commitment throughout the maternity-cover placement.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual and small-group support as directed by the class teacher.
• Adapt activities and resources so pupils can participate in classroom learning.
• Use clear instructions, visual resources and agreed communication strategies.
• Support emotional regulation, engagement and positive peer relationships.
• Help children manage routines and transitions while encouraging independence.
• Follow professional guidance and share observations with the teacher and SEN team.

Skills

SEN experience

Primary setting

Communication support

Emotional regulation

Teamwork

Patience

Job description

Position: SEN Teaching Assistant – Year 1 Maternity Cover Contract Type: Full-time Temporary – Maternity Cover Start Date: 4 January 2027 Location: Islington, North London Salary: £110–£120 per day Salary is dependent on the candidates qualifications and experience. Hours of work: Full-time; exact hours to be confirmed

About the Role:

A settled routine, a clear instruction, the reassurance to try again: your support can change how a child experiences school. Teach Now is recruiting a dedicated SEN Teaching Assistant for a welcoming community primary school in Islington. Starting in January 2027, this maternity-cover placement involves supporting Year 1 pupils with high SEN needs throughout the school day. Youll work closely with the class teacher and SEN team, adapting learning and helping children develop communication, confidence and independence. Building trusting relationships will be central to your role, alongside the patience to recognise progress at each childs pace. The school promotes ambition, self-esteem, perseverance, independence, respect and enthusiasm. Staff work with families and specialist professionals to help pupils with SEND access a broad, balanced curriculum. This is an opportunity to bring consistency and encouragement to children during an important stage of their learning.

Requirements:

• Previous experience supporting children with high SEN needs.
• Experience in a primary setting, ideally Early Years or Key Stage 1.
• Understanding of communication, sensory and emotional regulation needs.
• Confidence adapting activities, using visual supports and following individual support plans.
• A patient, resilient and proactive approach, with strong teamwork skills.
• Availability from January 2027 and commitment throughout the maternity-cover placement.
• Experience supporting autistic children or pupils with complex communication needs would be particularly valuable.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide individual and small-group support as directed by the class teacher.
• Adapt activities and resources so pupils can participate in classroom learning.
• Use clear instructions, visual resources and agreed communication strategies.
• Support emotional regulation, engagement and positive peer relationships.
• Help children manage routines and transitions while encouraging independence.
• Follow professional guidance and share observations with the teacher and SEN team.

Benefits – Our client can offer you:

• A welcoming community school with a strong commitment to inclusion.
• Close collaboration with the class teacher and SEN team.
• Experience delivering personalised support within a Year 1 classroom.
• A placement where you can build trusting relationships and provide continuity.
• The opportunity to help children develop confidence and greater independence.

This post will be subject to an Enhanced DBS Clearance.