SEN Teaching Assistant

Tara Professional Recruitment Ltd; Shrewsbury; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Tara Professional Recruitment Ltd is seeking a dedicated Teaching Assistant to support pupils with additional needs in a specialist secondary SEND provision in the Telford area. You will work with ASC pupils, helping them access learning and participate in lessons in a structured environment.

This long-term rolling role offers stable, ongoing support for pupils aged roughly 11–16, with duties across one-to-one and small-group sessions, collaboration with staff, and safeguarding responsibilities

Qualifications

• Experience working with pupils in school or SEND settings.
• Interest in supporting autistic pupils and understanding individual differences.
• Calm, patient, and empathetic approach when pupils face difficulties.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build rapport while maintaining boundaries.
• Flexible and able to adapt to pupil needs.
• Proactive, reliable and team-focused attitude.
• Commitment to safeguarding, inclusion and pupil wellbeing.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-to-one and small-group support to pupils.
• Assist teaching staff with engaging and accessible learning activities.
• Develop positive relationships with pupils through patience and consistency.
• Support communication, social interaction, and emotional regulation.
• Help implement individual plans and strategies for behaviour and learning.
• Recognise and respond to sensory needs and anxiety.
• Encourage independence, resilience and confidence in pupils.
• Support pupils during lessons, transitions and school day.
• Collaborate with teachers, support staff and professionals.
• Maintain a safe, inclusive environment following safeguarding policies.

Skills

Experience with children/young people

Great communication skills

Calm, patient and empathetic

Team player and flexible

Safeguarding awareness

Education

Relevant education / childcare qualification

Job description

Teaching Assistant - Specialist SEND Provision

Location: Telford area

Contract: Long-term, rolling placement

Start date: 2nd November 2026 / As soon as possible

Hours: Full Time

About the Role

We are currently recruiting a dedicated and compassionate Teaching Assistant to work within a specialist secondary education setting supporting pupils with additional needs.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is passionate about supporting young people, promoting inclusion and helping pupils develop the confidence, independence and skills they need to succeed.

Working alongside experienced teaching staff, you will provide tailored support to pupils with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), helping them access learning, navigate the school day and develop positive relationships in a structured, supportive environment.

The role is offered on a long-term rolling basis, making it ideal for someone looking for a consistent placement where they can build strong relationships with pupils and become a valued member of the school team.

About the Pupils

The setting supports secondary-aged pupils, primarily between 11 and 16 years old, who have identified additional needs relating to autism, communication and social interaction.

Pupils may benefit from additional support with:

• Communication and interaction: Understanding social cues, expressing their needs and developing positive relationships with peers and adults.
• Emotional regulation: Managing anxiety, frustration, overwhelming situations and changes to routine.
• Sensory needs: Accessing a learning environment that accommodates individual sensory preferences and sensitivities.
• Learning and engagement: Breaking down tasks, maintaining focus, following instructions and accessing lessons at an appropriate pace.
• Social development and independence: Building confidence, developing life skills and learning to manage everyday situations.

Every pupil is an individual, and the successful candidate will need to adapt their approach to meet different needs, strengths and learning styles.

Key Responsibilities

• Support pupils on a one-to-one and small-group basis, depending on individual requirements.
• Assist teaching staff with delivering engaging, accessible and differentiated learning activities.
• Develop positive, trusting relationships with pupils through patience, consistency and understanding.
• Support pupils with communication, social interaction and emotional regulation.
• Help implement individual support plans and agreed strategies for behaviour and learning.
• Recognise and respond appropriately to sensory needs, anxiety and situations that may cause distress.
• Encourage independence, resilience, confidence and positive engagement with education.
• Support pupils during lessons, transitions and other parts of the school day.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, support staff and other relevant professionals.
• Maintain a safe, inclusive environment and follow all safeguarding and school policies.

Essential Requirements

The ideal candidate will have:

• Previous experience working with children or young people, ideally within a school, SEND provision or specialist setting.
• A genuine interest in supporting autistic pupils and an understanding of individual differences.
• A calm, patient and empathetic approach, particularly when pupils are experiencing difficulties with communication or emotional regulation.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to build rapport while maintaining clear, consistent and appropriate boundaries.
• Flexibility and the ability to adapt to changing situations and individual pupil needs.
• A proactive, reliable and team-focused attitude.
• A strong commitment to safeguarding, inclusion and pupil wellbeing.

Experience supporting pupils with ASC, communication differences or sensory needs would be particularly beneficial. Relevant qualifications in education, childcare, SEND or autism support would be advantageous.

An enhanced DBS check, including the children's barred list where applicable, and satisfactory references will be required in accordance with safer recruitment procedures.

Why Apply?

This is a rewarding opportunity to make a genuine difference in the lives of young people who benefit from additional support to access education and develop essential skills.

You will have the opportunity to work within a specialist setting, gain valuable experience supporting pupils with additional needs and build meaningful professional relationships through a long-term placement.

Interested in making a difference?