Sen Teaching Assistant

Academics; St Albans; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational support provider is seeking a skilled Specialist Teaching Assistant to provide 1:1 support for a KS2 pupil with Oppositional Defiant Disorder and SEMH needs. This full-time role in St Albans starts in January. The successful candidate will utilize relationship-based approaches to help the student access learning in a positive, consistent manner, creating a calm environment and collaborating closely with teaching staff to implement effective support strategies. A commitment to inclusion and emotional intelligence is essential.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children displaying challenging behaviour, ODD, or SEMH needs.
• Confident using de-escalation and restorative approaches.
• Patient and resilient with the ability to maintain firm but nurturing boundaries.

Responsibilities

• Provide targeted 1:1 support for a KS2 student with ODD and SEMH needs.
• Build trust and promote positive behaviour using relationship-based approaches.
• Support emotional regulation, coping strategies and engagement with learning.
• Follow agreed behaviour plans and contribute ideas for adapting strategies.
• Create a calm, structured and predictable environment that reduces triggers.

Skills

Experience with ODD and SEMH needs

Relationship-based approaches

De-escalation skills

Strong communication skills

Job description

We are looking for a skilled and proactive Specialist Teaching Assistant to provide 1:1 support for a KS2 pupil presenting with Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) and associated SEMH needs. This full-time role begins in January within a supportive mainstream primary environment.

While the student does not currently have an EHCP, a structured support plan is in place, developed alongside the SENDCo and Senior Leadership Team. The successful candidate will be central in delivering this plan and helping the student access learning in a positive, consistent and nurturing way.

Role: Sen Teaching Assistant

Phase: Primary, Key Stage 2
Location: London Colney
Contract: Full Time, Long-Term

Key Responsibilities

• Provide targeted 1:1 support for a KS2 student with ODD and SEMH needs
• Use relationship-based approaches to build trust and promote positive behaviour
• Support emotional regulation, coping strategies and engagement with learning
• Follow agreed behaviour plans and contribute ideas for adapting strategies
• Work closely with the class teacher, SENDCo and SLT to ensure consistent support
• Create a calm, structured and predictable environment that reduces triggers
• Keep accurate notes and contribute to ongoing reviews of the pupil's support needs

Ideal Candidate

• Experience working with children displaying challenging behaviour, ODD, or SEMH needs
• Confident using de-escalation and restorative approaches
• Patient, resilient, and able to maintain firm but nurturing boundaries
• Skilled at staying calm under pressure and responding thoughtfully to behaviours
• Strong communication skills and a collaborative working style
• Passionate about inclusion and supporting children to succeed

This is a rewarding opportunity for someone who is committed, emotionally intelligent, and ready to make a meaningful difference in a child's school experience.

If you are confident, compassionate and motivated by helping children overcome barriers to learning, we would love to hear from you.