SEN Teaching Assistant

Randstad Education; Purston Jaglin; On-site; GBP 16,605 - 23,985; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible diary/work patterns

Team Teach training and PD access

£300 Love2shop referral reward

Dedicated SEND consultant support

Job summary

Randstad Education is recruiting SEN Teaching Assistants for flexible, day-to-day supply cover in a specialist resource provision in Pontefract, West Yorkshire. Role involves supporting pupils with SEN and ASC within a caring, low-arousal environment.

You will work closely with the lead teacher and team to deliver tailored support, using tools like visual timetables and Makaton, with emphasis on individual EHCP targets and safeguarding requirements.

Qualifications

• Adapting delivery to individual EHCP targets.
• Experience supporting children with ASC, or complex needs in educational or care settings.
• Basic knowledge of visual schedules, symbol support, and Makaton.

Responsibilities

• Assist primary-aged pupils with learning tasks, adapting delivery to EHCP targets.
• Use communication aids (visual schedules, PECS, Makaton) to support non-verbal/pre-verbal pupils.
• Support sensory breaks, quiet-space routines and de-escalation strategies.
• Collaborate with lead teacher and staff to maintain a calm, structured classroom routine.
• Support children with life skills, social interactions and smooth transitions between tasks.

Skills

Adaptability

ASC support experience

Visual timetables / Makaton

Patience & resilience

Job description

SEN Teaching Assistant (Day-to-Day / Ad Hoc)

Location: Pontefract, West Yorkshire

Pay: Competitive daily rate

Contract Type: Day-to-Day / Ad Hoc / Flexible Temporary

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 seeking flexible, ad hoc work in education that allows you to manage your own weekly schedule 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 supply cover within a highly regarded specialist resource provision based in the Pontefract area.

About the Provision

They are an inclusive, warm, and highly supportive specialist resource provision attached to a mainstream setting, catering to pupils with complex learning difficulties, autism spectrum conditions (ASC), and communication needs. They pride themselves on providing a tailored, low-arousal environment where children can access specialised interventions while benefiting from integration into the wider school community. With dedicated therapy spaces, structured learning zones, and a collaborative team of educators, they offer a safe, happy environment where every child is supported to make meaningful progress at their own pace.

Role and Responsibilities

In this flexible cover role, you will step in on a day-to-day basis to support class teams and pupils during staff absences or planned cover. Your key duties will include:

• Assisting primary-aged pupils with their learning tasks, adapting delivery to align with their individual Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) targets.

• Utilising communication aids-such as visual schedules, PECS, and Makaton-to support non-verbal or pre-verbal pupils.

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

• Working seamlessly alongside the lead teacher and permanent support staff to maintain a calm, structured, and safe classroom routine.

• Supporting children with life skills, social interactions on the playground, and seamless transitions between different tasks.

Skills Required

• The confidence to step into different classroom setups and quickly adapt to varying pupil routines and profiles.

• Prior experience supporting children with autism (ASC), global developmental delay, or complex needs in an educational or care setting.

• Practical knowledge of visual timetables, symbol support systems, or basic Makaton.

• A patient, calm, 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?

When you partner with Randstad Education, you are supported by a global recruitment leader with a deeply personal, local approach. Benefits include:

• Complete control over your diary and availability to fit around your lifestyle.

• 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).

• Guidance from a specialist, local SEND consultant to support your placement and career goals.