SEN Teaching Assistant

Randstad Education; Retford; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 20,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Temp-to-perm pathway

Job summary

Randstad Education is recruiting a SEN Teaching Assistant for an independent specialist school near Retford (DN22). This full-time, long-term cover role starts ASAP with a clear temp-to-perm pathway for the right candidate, working with pupils aged 5 to 19 with ASC, ADHD and SEMH.

You will support 1:1 and small groups, use PECS, Makaton and visual schedules, and help pupils access the curriculum with dignity, empathy and professional teamwork with teachers, therapists and parents.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting SEN pupils in a UK setting.
• DBS Update Service enhanced check or willingness to obtain one.
• Right to work in the UK; visa sponsorship not available.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small-group learning support aligned to EHCP targets.
• Use PECS, Makaton, and visual schedules to aid communication.
• Support sensory integration routines and calm spaces.
• Assist with behaviour support and de-escalation strategies.
• Support with personal care, meals, and routines with dignity.
• Collaborate with teachers, therapists and parents.

Skills

SEN experience

Makaton/PECS

Visual supports

Teamwork

Calm, patient demeanor

Tools

PECS

Makaton

Visual schedules

Job description

Are you an empathetic, hands-on Teaching Assistant passionate about making a positive difference for pupils with complex special educational needs?

Do you excel at using visual communication tools, sensory routines, and positive behaviour support to engage neurodivergent learners?

Are you seeking a full-time, long-term role starting immediately that offers brilliant job security and the potential for a permanent contract?

Randstad Education wants to hear from you! We are currently recruiting a dedicated SEN Teaching Assistant to join a warm and supportive independent specialist school located in the Retford area (DN22) for the full academic year.

About the School

They are an independent special school situated in a peaceful, rural setting near Retford, providing tailored education for pupils aged 5 to 19 with Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC), ADHD, and associated complex social, emotional, and communication needs. Operating with small class sizes and high staff-to-pupil ratios, the school focuses on balancing academic progress with emotional regulation and personal development. Supported by modern classroom facilities, outdoor learning spaces, and a strong therapeutic team, they offer a calm, inclusive environment where every pupil's individual achievements are celebrated.

About the Role

This is a full-time, long-term cover role starting ASAP for the full academic year, offering a clear temp-to-perm pathway for the right candidate. Working closely with classroom teachers and multidisciplinary teams, you will support individual pupils and small groups to help them access the curriculum safely and successfully.

Key duties include:

• Delivering 1:1 and small-group learning support tailored to individual Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) targets.
• Utilising specialised communication tools (such as PECS, Makaton, and visual schedules) to enable non-verbal and pre-verbal learners to express choices.
• Facilitating sensory integration routines, movement breaks, and calm spaces to assist pupils with emotional regulation and focus.
• Assisting with positive behaviour support techniques and de-escalation strategies during moments of distress or overwhelm.
• Supporting pupils with personal care, hygiene, and lunch/breaktime routines with dignity and respect.
• Working collaboratively alongside class teachers, therapists, and parents to maintain a safe, consistent environment.

Skills Required

• Practical experience supporting children or young adults with ASC, ADHD, SEMH, or complex learning needs within an educational, care, or therapy setting.
• Familiarity with visual support strategies, total communication techniques, or basic Makaton.
• A calm, resilient, and patient demeanour, with a strong commitment to understanding behaviour as a form of communication.
• Strong team-working skills and the confidence to take initiative in a fast-paced environment.

Essential Requirements

• Prior experience supporting children or young people with special educational needs (SEN) within a UK setting.
• An Enhanced DBS check registered on the Update Service (or a willingness to undergo a new check via Randstad).
• Full eligibility to work in the UK (please note, visa sponsorship is not available for this role).

Why Work for Randstad?

• Long-term stability with clear temp-to-perm transition opportunities.
• Free access to accredited professional development, including Team Teach positive behaviour support training.