SEN Teaching Assistant Primary (SEMH / Autism)

senploy; Poole; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An education recruitment agency is seeking a dedicated SEN Teaching Assistant to support primary-aged pupils with SEMH and Autism. This full-time position offers an opportunity to make a real difference in young lives, providing essential 1:1 or small-group support. The role requires strong behaviour management skills and a passion for pastoral care. Ideal candidates will have relevant experience working with children and be ready to work in a nurturing educational environment. The role offers a competitive rate of pay starting from £14.66 per hour, with ongoing support and training opportunities.

Benefits

Free accredited CPD

Ongoing support from in-house Training & Development Team

Opportunity to make a real difference in young lives

Qualifications

• Essential strong behaviour management skills required.
• Experience with children or young people with challenging behaviour is needed.
• Willingness to complete up-to-date Safeguarding training.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils with SEMH and Autism on a 1:1 or small-group basis.
• Implement positive behaviour strategies and provide pastoral care.
• Act as a mentor and support engagement with learning activities.

Skills

Strong behaviour management skills

Experience working with SEN pupils

Empathy

Resilience

Job description

SEN Teaching Assistant Primary (SEMH / Autism)

Prospero Teaching are working closely with a specialist SEN provision to recruit a dedicated SEN Teaching Assistant to support primary-aged pupils with SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs) and Autism.

This is a challenging but highly rewarding role, ideal for individuals with strong behaviour management skills and a genuine passion for pastoral support and mentorship. Pupils may present with complex emotional needs and require consistent, calm, and structured support throughout the school day.

The school offers a nurturing, therapeutic environment with small class sizes, where Teaching Assistants play a vital role in helping pupils regulate emotions, engage with learning, and develop positive relationships.

This role would particularly suit candidates with experience or backgrounds in:

• Youth Work
• Sports Coaching
• Psychology or Counselling
• Behaviour Support
• Care Work
• Ex-Forces or similar disciplined environments

The Role

• Supporting pupils on a 1:1 or small-group basis
• Implementing positive behaviour strategies
• Providing pastoral care and emotional regulation support
• Acting as a positive role model and mentor
• Supporting engagement with learning activities
• Working closely with teachers and SEN professionals

Contract Details

• Position: SEN Teaching Assistant (Primary)
• Type of Work: Support / Pastoral Role
• Start Date: January 2026
• Duration: Ongoing
• Contract Type: Temp / Perm
• Hours: Full-time (8:30am 4:00pm)
• Rate of Pay: From £14.66 per hour (dependent on experience)

Experience, Training & Qualifications

• Experience working with children or young people with challenging behaviour
• Strong behaviour management skills (essential)
• SEN experience (SEMH / Autism preferred)
• Youth work, care, or mentoring experience welcomedUp-to-date Safeguarding training (or willingness to complete)

Eligibility

• Right to Work in the UK
• Enhanced DBS on the Update Service (or willing to apply)
• Two professional, child-related references

What Prospero Teaching Offers

• Free accredited CPD (including safeguarding and behaviour management)
• Ongoing support from our in-house Training & Development Team
• Opportunity to make a real difference in young lives

If you are resilient, empathetic, and ready to take on a hands‑on SEN role, we would love to hear from you.

Please apply with an up‑to‑date CV. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Prospero Teaching acts as an employment business/education recruitment agency in relation to this vacancy.