Sen Teaching Assistant in St Albans)

Academics; London Colney; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational organization is seeking a Specialist Teaching Assistant in London Colney to provide dedicated 1:1 support for a KS2 pupil with Oppositional Defiant Disorder and associated SEMH needs. This full-time position starts in January and requires proactive engagement to help the student thrive in a primary environment. Ideal candidates will have experience with challenging behaviour and demonstrate emotional intelligence and effective communication skills to foster a positive learning environment.

Qualifications

• Experience with ODD and SEMH needs.
• Ability to maintain firm but nurturing boundaries.
• Skilled at staying calm under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 support for a KS2 student with ODD and SEMH needs.
• Help the student engage positively with learning.
• Contribute to reviews of the pupil's support needs.

Skills

Experience working with challenging behaviour

Using de-escalation techniques

Strong communication skills

Collaborative working style

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.