SEND Assistant

Teaching Vacancies; Farnborough; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

A primary school in Farnborough is seeking a compassionate Special Educational Needs Assistant to support children with diverse learning needs like Autism Spectrum Condition and Down Syndrome. The role involves collaborating with teachers, providing tailored support, and fostering independence in students. The school offers a friendly environment where staff receive professional development opportunities and are encouraged to make a positive impact on children's lives. Experience in SEN is appreciated but not mandatory.

Benefits

Supportive school community

Training opportunities

Positive working environment

Qualifications

• Experience working with children with Special Educational Needs (desirable, but not essential).
• Understanding of SEN strategies and inclusive practice or willingness to learn.
• Ability to build positive, trusting relationships with children.

Responsibilities

• Provide tailored support to pupils with SEN in the classroom.
• Support emotional regulation, communication, and social interaction.
• Adapt learning activities to meet individual needs.
• Encourage independence and positive behavior.
• Work collaboratively with teachers and parents.
• Observe and report pupil progress.

Skills

Patient

Empathetic

Effective communication

Team collaboration

Job description

What skills and experience we're looking for

We are seeking a caring, patient, and enthusiastic Special Educational Needs (SEN) Assistant to join our friendly primary school team, supporting children with SEND including Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) and Down Syndrome.

This is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference by helping pupils feel safe, understood, and supported in their learning and development.

The Role

You will work closely with class teachers, the SENDCo, and other professionals to support children with their learning and social needs, both one-to-one and in small groups. Your role will help pupils access the curriculum, develop communication and social skills, and build confidence in a nurturing environment. This would be in our ‘Explorers Classroom’ and also within the mainstream classrooms of the school (initially Key Stage 1).

Key Responsibilities

• Provide tailored support to pupils with SEN in the classroom and around the school
• Support emotional regulation, communication, and social interaction
• Adapt learning activities to meet individual needs
• Encourage independence and positive behaviour
• Work collaboratively with teachers, parents, and external agencies
• Observe, record, and report pupil progress as required

We Are Looking For Someone Who:

• Is patient, calm, and empathetic
• Has experience working with children with SEN (desirable, but not essential)
• Understands or is willing to learn about SEN strategies and inclusive practice
• Can build positive, trusting relationships with children
• Works well as part of a team and communicates effectively

What the school offers its staff

We Offer:

• A welcoming, supportive school community
• Training and professional development opportunities in SEN support
• The chance to make a meaningful difference in children's lives
• A positive working environment with experienced staff

Experience in a school or SEN setting is desirable, but we welcome applications from individuals with a genuine passion for supporting children with additional needs.

Commitment to safeguarding

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment. Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance. Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant): childcare disqualification Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) medical online and social media prohibition from teaching right to work satisfactory references suitability to work with children You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.