SEN Teaching Assistant

Randstad Education; Pontefract; On-site; GBP 16,605 - 22,140; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Love2shop referral bonus

Job summary

Randstad Education is seeking a SEN Teaching Assistant for flexible, ad hoc to long-term supply in Pontefract (WF9), West Yorkshire. Start is September 2026, with ongoing day-to-day cover within a specialist resource provision for pupils with ASC, SLCN, SEMH.

You will support pupils with EHCP-driven activities, use visual supports and Makaton, and work alongside teachers to create a calm, safe learning environment and smooth transitions during the school day.

Qualifications

• UK SEN experience in supporting children or young people.
• DBS Update Service or willingness to obtain a new Enhanced DBS.
• Full eligibility to work in the UK (no visa sponsorship).

Responsibilities

• Provide ongoing day-to-day cover across the provision.
• Support class teams and ensure continuity of care for children.
• Assist with tailored activities aligned to EHCPs and use alternative communication aids.
• Support life-skills routines, playtimes, and transitions.
• Collaborate with teachers and staff to maintain a calm learning environment.

Skills

Adaptability

ASC experience

SEMH & complex needs

Visual timetables & PECS

Makaton basics

Calm, patient demeanor

Tools

Makaton basics

Job description

SEN Teaching Assistant (Ad Hoc / Long-Term Supply)

Location: Pontefract (WF9), West Yorkshire

Contract Type: Flexible / Ad Hoc (Long-Term Basis)

Start Date: September 2026

Are you an adaptable and compassionate educator dedicated to supporting children with additional needs? Do you excel at building quick rapport with young learners to help them feel secure, understood, and ready to engage? Are you looking for flexible, ad hoc supply work on an ongoing, long-term basis starting this September?

If so, Randstad Education wants to hear from you. We are currently recruiting proactive SEN Teaching Assistants for flexible, day-to-day cover on a long-term basis within a highly regarded specialist resource provision in the WF9 area of Pontefract.

About the School

They are a warm, inclusive, and forward-thinking primary specialist resource provision dedicated to supporting pupils with autism spectrum conditions (ASC), speech, language, and communication needs (SLCN), and social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) requirements. They pride themselves on providing a structured, low-arousal environment alongside dedicated therapy and sensory spaces. By combining tailored 1:1 intervention with opportunities for integration into mainstream classroom settings, they ensure that every pupil receives the exact level of support needed to build confidence, independence, and social skills at their own pace.

Role and Responsibilities

In this long-term ad hoc role, you will provide ongoing day-to-day cover across the provision, supporting class teams and ensuring continuity of care for the children. Your key duties will include:

• Assisting primary-aged pupils with their tailored learning activities, adapting tasks to align with their individual Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).

• Using alternative communication aids-such as visual schedules, PECS, and Makaton-to support non-verbal and pre-verbal learners.

• Guiding pupils through sensory movement breaks, quiet-space routines, and positive de-escalation strategies during moments of overwhelm.

• Working alongside class teachers and permanent support staff to maintain a calm, safe, and consistent learning environment.

• Supporting children with life-skills routines, playground interactions, and smooth transitions throughout the school day.

Skills Required

• The confidence to step into different classroom setups seamlessly and support varied pupil profiles on an ad hoc basis.

• Prior experience supporting children with autism (ASC), SEMH, or complex communication needs within an education or care setting.

• Practical familiarity with visual timetables, symbol support systems, or basic Makaton.

• A calm, patient, and resilient demeanor, capable of understanding behaviour as a form of communication.

Essential Requirements

• Previous experience supporting children or young people with special educational needs (SEN) within the UK.

• Full eligibility to work in the UK (please note, visa sponsorship is not available for this role).

• An Enhanced DBS check registered on the Update Service, or a willingness to undergo a new check via Randstad.

Why Choose Randstad?

Benefits include:

• Enjoy the flexibility of ad hoc supply cover while maintaining regular, ongoing work in a supportive setting.

• Free access to accredited professional development, including Team Teach positive behaviour support training.

• Earn £300 in Love2shop vouchers for every person you successfully refer to us (T&Cs apply).