SEN Teaching Assistant

Randstad Education; Lowestoft; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Local consultant

CPD training

Path to permanent roles

Job summary

Randstad Education is recruiting SEN Teaching Assistants in Lowestoft and surrounding areas. The role offers day-to-day cover or long-term placements across specialist SEN schools and provisions.

You will support children with SEND, adapt activities, and work closely with teachers and therapists to help pupils progress. The ideal candidate has experience with SEND or a background in care, education, or psychology, and maintains a patient, resilient, and caring approach.

Qualifications

• Experience in supporting children with SEND, complex needs, or challenging behaviours.
• Patient, calm and nurturing approach with high emotional resilience.
• Knowledge of alternative communication methods (Makaton/PECS) is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils with a range of needs (ASC, MLD/SLD, SEMH, PMLD) and adapt activities.
• Work 1:1 or in small groups, using EHCP targets.
• Help create safe, structured, low-arousal learning environments.
• Assist with emotional regulation and de-escalation techniques.
• Support personal care, mobility, or physical therapy as needed (training provided).
• Collaborate with teachers, SENCOs, and therapists to meet targets.

Skills

SEND support

Patience

Emotional resilience

Communication skills

Tools

Makaton

PECS

Visual timetables

Job description

SEN Teaching Assistant - Lowestoft & Surrounding Areas

Are you a compassionate, resilient, and dedicated individual looking to make a meaningful impact in special education? Whether you are seeking the variety and flexibility of day-to-day cover, or looking for the rewarding stability and connection of a long-term placement, we have fantastic opportunities tailored to your availability.

We are currently partnering with a range of specialist SEN schools, alternative provisions, and primary/secondary resource bases in Lowestoft and across the surrounding East Suffolk and coastal areas. We are experiencing high demand for supportive Teaching Assistants experienced in or passionate about working with children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

Whether you have extensive experience as an SEN Teaching Assistant, a background in care, support work, residential care, or youth work, or are a psychology graduate eager to gain hands‑on clinical and educational experience, we can help you find your ideal role.

Choose Your Ideal Way of Working:

• Day-to-Day Cover: Enjoy complete control over your working week. Select the exact days you are available to work to fit around your personal commitments, studies, or family life, while gaining valuable experience across various SEN environments.

• Long-Term Opportunities: For those seeking routine and continuity, we offer long‑term placements spanning a term or a full academic year. This allows you to build deep, trusting relationships with individual pupils, track their holistic progress, and become a core member of a dedicated school team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support pupils with a wide range of needs, including Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), Moderate/Severe Learning Difficulties (MLD/SLD), Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, or Physical and Sensory Impairments.

• Work on a 1:1 basis or within small groups, adapting learning activities and visual aids to suit each child's Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

• Help create a safe, structured, and low-arousal learning environment where pupils feel secure, valued, and encouraged.

• Assist with emotional regulation, managing challenging behaviours with patience, empathy, and de‑escalation techniques.

• Support personal care, mobility, or physical therapy needs where required (training provided by schools where necessary).

• Collaborate closely with class teachers, SENCOs, and external therapists (Speech & Language, Occupational Therapy) to achieve individual targets.

What We Look For:

• Previous experience supporting children or adults with SEND, complex needs, or vulnerable behaviours (in education, care, or community settings).

• A patient, calm, and nurturing approach paired with strong emotional resilience and confidence.

• Strong communication skills, with knowledge of alternative communication methods (e.g., Makaton, PECS, visual timetables) being a distinct advantage.

• Training in de‑escalation methods (e.g., Team‑Teach, MAPA, or STEPs) is desirable, though not essential.

• A valid Enhanced DBS check on the Update Service (or a willingness to complete one).

Benefits of Working With Us:

• Competitive daily rates, paid weekly and reflective of your specialist experience.

• A dedicated local consultant with deep knowledge of the SEN education sector in Lowestoft and East Suffolk.

• Complete flexibility to set, manage, and update your working availability on your own terms.

• Access to specialised CPD training opportunities to enhance your SEN toolkit.

• Direct pathway to long‑term, contract, or permanent positions in local specialist schools.

Ready to make a life‑changing difference to pupils in Lowestoft?

Join a supportive network of specialist educators today.

We are strictly committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All candidates will be required to undergo comprehensive vetting, reference checks, and an enhanced DBS disclosure.