SEN Teaching Assistant | Aspiring Occupational Therapist

Milk Education; City Of London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational support agency is looking for an SEN Teaching Assistant to help children with complex needs in Tottenham. This role offers hands-on support for pupils and the chance to gain valuable experience for those pursuing careers in Occupational Therapy and other therapeutic fields. Responsibilities include working closely with therapists, implementing sensory tools, and maintaining a supportive environment. The position features competitive pay, flexible scheduling, and extensive training opportunities.

Benefits

Excellent daily pay

Fast-track registration

Flexible working days

Access to CPD courses

24/7 consultant support

Qualifications

• Experience supporting pupils with complex needs.
• Understanding of sensory integration and therapeutic strategies.
• Ability to assist with personal care and mobility.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils 1:1 and in small groups across a range of complex SEND needs.
• Implement sensory diets, movement breaks, and personalised sensory tools.
• Assist with personal care, mobility support, and basic medical routines when required.

Skills

Communication skills

Empathy

Team collaboration

Adaptability

Job description

SEN Teaching Assistant - Ideal for Aspiring Occupational Therapists

Milk Education | Tottenham | On-site

Milk Education is partnering with a specialist SEND provision in Tottenham that supports pupils with complex needs, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), communication differences, sensory processing challenges, and physical or medical requirements. The school provides a structured, therapeutic environment where pupils receive highly personalised support from teachers, therapists, and specialist staff.

This role is an excellent opportunity for anyone hoping to pursue a career in Occupational Therapy, Child Development, Clinical Psychology, Speech & Language Therapy, or other therapeutic professions.

About the Role

As an SEN Teaching Assistant, you will be hands‑on in supporting pupils' functional skills, sensory regulation, communication, and independence. You'll work closely with occupational therapists, speech therapists, and teachers to implement structured programmes and create supportive environments that help pupils stay calm, regulated, and ready to learn.

This position starts on a day‑to‑day, term‑time basis, with the potential to progress to a long‑term or permanent role.

Why This Role Is Perfect for Aspiring OTs

• Gain real‑world experience with sensory integration strategies
• Develop your understanding of regulation, motor development, and functional life skills
• Learn to use visual systems, task breakdowns, and structured routines
• Work alongside a multidisciplinary team, observing therapeutic approaches in action
• Build confidence supporting pupils with varying physical, sensory, and cognitive needs
• Strengthen your applications for OT Master's programmes with meaningful, relevant experience

Key Responsibilities

• Supporting pupils 1:1 and in small groups across a range of complex SEND needs
• Implementing sensory diets, movement breaks, and personalised sensory tools
• Using PECS, Makaton, visual schedules, and other communication systems
• Assisting with personal care, mobility support, and basic medical routines when required
• Helping deliver adapted lessons focused on communication, social development, independence, literacy, and numeracy
• Supporting emotional regulation and transitions using positive behaviour approaches
• Collaborating with teachers, OTs, and therapists to follow structured programmes
• Maintaining excellent safeguarding and delivering care with professionalism

Benefits (via Milk Education)

• Excellent daily pay
• Fast‑track registration and compliance process
• Choose working days that match your schedule
• 5-star rated agency with 3,000+ online reviews
• Exclusive partnerships with SEND schools across London
• Free Perks Portal with discounts similar to Blue Light benefits
• 1,000+ CPD courses through Milk Academy (ideal for OT/therapy preparation)
• Free PSHE plans, teaching resources, and behaviour toolkits
• Free Educator Wellbeing eBook + wellbeing hub
• School Preparation Pack for new placements
• 24/7 support from your dedicated consultant
• Access to the Unbottled division lived‑experience safeguarding speakers
• Part of the UK's only eco‑friendly supply agency