SEN Teaching Assistant

Tradewind Recruitment; Sutton; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

Tradewind Recruitment are recruiting a Secondary SEN Teaching Assistant to join a specialist school in Sutton.

You will support students with a range of additional needs, both 1:1 and in small groups, helping them access the curriculum and develop independence.

The role is full-time in a nurturing environment, working with teachers and a multidisciplinary team to promote positive behaviour and progress.

Qualifications

• Experience working with SEN or vulnerable young people.
• Patience and nurturing personality.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure.
• A proactive and positive approach.
• Strong teamwork skills.
• Genuine commitment to improving outcomes for young people.

Responsibilities

• Work as part of a multidisciplinary team to help students overcome barriers to learning.
• Support students on a 1:1 basis, within small groups and across different areas of the school.
• Support students to access the secondary curriculum.
• Provide individualised learning and pastoral support.
• Assist with communication and social development.
• Support emotional regulation.
• Promote independence and confidence.
• Encourage positive behaviour and engagement.
• Help implement individual education and support plans.
• Assist with practical and life-skills activities.
• Work closely with teachers and other professionals.
• Develop positive and trusting relationships with students.

Job description

Secondary SEN Teaching Assistant - Specialist School

Location: Sutton, South London

Setting: Secondary SEN School

Contract: Full-time

Start Date: September 2026 / ASAP

Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience

Are you a dedicated Teaching Assistant who wants to make a meaningful difference to the lives of young people with special educational needs? We are recruiting for a Secondary SEN Teaching Assistant to join a supportive specialist school in Sutton. The school provides a structured and nurturing environment for young people with a range of additional needs and is looking for someone who can provide consistent, positive support both inside and outside the classroom.

The Role

You will work as part of a multidisciplinary team to help students overcome barriers to learning and develop the skills they need for greater independence. You may support students on a 1:1 basis, within small groups and across different areas of the school.

Key Responsibilities

• Support students to access the secondary curriculum.
• Provide individualised learning and pastoral support.
• Assist with communication and social development.
• Support emotional regulation.
• Promote independence and confidence.
• Encourage positive behaviour and engagement.
• Help implement individual education and support plans.
• Assist with practical and life-skills activities.
• Work closely with teachers and other professionals.
• Develop positive and trusting relationships with students.

The Ideal Candidate

You will ideally have:

• Experience working with SEN or vulnerable young people.
• A patient and nurturing personality.
• Excellent communication skills.
• The ability to remain calm under pressure.
• A proactive and positive approach.
• Strong teamwork skills.
• A genuine commitment to improving outcomes for young people.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who wants to work in a rewarding specialist environment and make a real difference every day.