SEN Teaching Assistant

Tradewind Recruitment; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational recruitment agency seeks a dedicated Teaching Assistant for a special school in West Suffolk to support children with complex additional needs. This full-time position offers a rewarding environment focusing on relationships, emotional wellbeing, and professional development. Ideal candidates must have experience with vulnerable learners, strong communication skills, and a calm, patient approach. Enjoy ongoing training and the chance to make a lasting impact in education.

Benefits

Ongoing training and professional development

Supportive leadership and agency guidance

Referral Bonus

Qualifications

• Experience in education, care, youth work, psychology, or mental health settings is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support to pupils.
• Support learning activities under the guidance of the class teacher.
• Assist with emotional regulation and positive behaviour strategies.
• Build trusting, professional relationships with pupils.
• Promote independence, engagement, and self-esteem.
• Work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Skills

Experience working with children or young people with SEND, SEMH, or behavioural needs

Calm, patient, and resilient approach

Strong communication and teamwork skills

Genuine interest in supporting vulnerable learners

Job description

Tradewind Recruitment, a Sunday Times Top 100 employer, is dedicated to putting our candidates and employees first.

Teaching Assistant - Special School

Location: West Suffolk
Start date: ASAP
Contract: Full-time / Long-term / Potential Temp-to-perm options
Pay: Competitive, dependent on experience

A highly regarded specialist school is seeking a dedicated Teaching Assistant to support children and young people with complex additional needs.

This is an excellent opportunity for individuals who are passionate about inclusive education and want to make a meaningful difference in a highly supportive, specialist setting.

About the Role

You will be working closely with teachers and specialist staff to support pupils in small classes, helping them to engage with learning, regulate emotions, and develop confidence both academically and socially.

Pupils may present with:

• Autism and other neurodivergent profiles
• Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs
• ADHD and associated behavioural challenges
• Communication and interaction difficulties
• Learning difficulties and gaps in education due to disrupted schooling

Our client places strong emphasis on relationships, structure, and emotional wellbeing.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support to pupils
• Support learning activities under the guidance of the class teacher
• Assist with emotional regulation and positive behaviour strategies
• Build trusting, professional relationships with pupils
• Promote independence, engagement, and self-esteem
• Work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team

The Ideal Candidate

We welcome applications from candidates with:

• Experience working with children or young people with SEND, SEMH, or behavioural needs
• A calm, patient, and resilient approach
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• A genuine interest in supporting vulnerable learners

Experience in education, care, youth work, psychology, or mental health settings is highly desirable.

What's on Offer

• Small class sizes and high staff-to-pupil ratios
• A structured, therapeutic learning environment
• Ongoing training and professional development
• Supportive leadership and agency guidance
• The opportunity to make a real, lasting impact

If you are looking for a rewarding role where no two days are the same and your work truly matters, we would love to hear from you.

Why registered with Tradewind?

• Unrivalled CPD: We offer more certified CPD courses than any other education agency.
• Dedicated Support: Interview coaching, lesson-planning assistance, and career guidance.
• Referral Bonus: Earn rewards for recommending friends

Whether you're experienced or looking to build your SEN skills in a thriving school setting, this is a fantastic opportunity to grow in a supportive and rewarding environment.

Apply today or contact Gary at Tradewind Recruitment, Essex, to learn more and take the next step in your education career.