SEN Teaching Assistant

Heaton School; Stockport; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 21,000; Part time

Job summary

Heaton School in Stockport is seeking a dedicated Teaching Assistant to join our specialist team. The role supports teenagers with complex needs, providing tailored learning activities and essential personal care under guidance from teachers and therapists.

We offer a permanent contract, 31 hours per week during term time, with a pro rata salary of £19,545 to £20,883 depending on experience. Start date ASAP, closing date 18 October 2026, interview 22 October 2026, safeguarding checks apply.

Qualifications

• Experience working with SEND, care, nursing, or psychology is advantageous.
• Ability to deliver personalised support and adapt to complex needs.
• Willingness to learn specialist communication methods (e.g., Makaton, PECS).

Responsibilities

• Deliver highly personalised learning and sensory activities under the guidance of teachers and therapists.
• Assist with personal care, mobility, and medical/sensory regulation needs with dignity.
• Use positive behaviour support to understand communication and create a safe environment.
• Track progress and celebrate small but meaningful milestones.

Skills

Empathy

Patience

Communication

Teamwork

Tools

Makaton

Job description

Heaton School
St. James Road
Stockport
SK4 4RE
0161 432 1931

Job Title: Teaching Assistant
Salary: Scale 4 point 7
Hours: 31 hours per week £19,545 to £20,883 pro rata actual salary
Working Pattern: Term time only
Contract type: Permanent
Closing date: 18th October 2026
Interview Date: 22nd October 2026
Start Date: ASAP

About Us

At Heaton School we believe that every young person deserves an extraordinary education. We are a vibrant, dedicated secondary special school supporting students with highly complex learning, medical, and sensory needs.
Our ethos is simple but powerful: we enjoy the journey, challenge the limits, celebrate every step, and achieve together.
The Role: Why You Matter?
We are looking for a resilient, deeply empathetic, and proactive Teaching Assistant to join our specialist team. This isn’t a standard classroom roleit is an opportunity to make a profound, tangible difference in the lives of teenagers with complex needs (including severe learning difficulties, profound and multiple learning disabilities, and complex medical or behavioural profiles).
You will be the bridge between vulnerability and independence.

Key Responsibilities

• Tailored Support: Deliver highly personalised learning and sensory activities under the guidance of class teachers and therapists.
• Holistic Care: Assist with vital personal care, mobility, and medical/sensory regulation needs with the utmost dignity and respect.
• Behavioural Communication: Look past behaviours to understand a student’s communication, using positive behaviour support strategies to create a safe, reassuring environment.
• Celebrate Progress: Track and celebrate the "small wins" that are actually massive milestones for our young people.

About You

You don’t necessarily need years of classroom experience, but you do need the right heart and mindset. We are looking for someone who is:

• Resilient & Patient: Calm under pressure, adaptable, and understanding of complex behaviours.
• A Natural Communicator: Intuitive to non-verbal cues and eager to learn specialist communication methods (e.g., Makaton, PECS).
• An Active Team Player: Ready to collaborate closely with teachers, NHS therapists, and families.
• Passionate: Genuinely invested in advocating for young people with disabilities.

Experience in SEND, care, nursing, or psychology is a distinct advantage, but comprehensive, specialist training will be provided.

What We Offer You

A deeply rewarding role where no two days are ever the same.
Extensive, ongoing professional development (including specialist training in medical needs, communication tools, and positive behaviour intervention).
A warm, fiercely supportive, and collaborative team environment.

Our school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful candidate will be required to dual-verify references and undergo an enhanced DBS check. The successful applicant's appointment will be subject to satisfactory pre-employment clearances including a Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Supporting Documents

• Application form
• Job Description