SEND Specialist Teaching Assistant

TeacherActive; Sefton; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 20,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay rates

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

TeacherActive Limited is seeking an experienced SEND Specialist Teaching Assistant to support children with a range of complex needs in Southport and surrounding primary schools. You will work 1:1 and in small groups, adapting activities to meet individual needs, and collaborate with teachers, SENCOs and multi-disciplinary teams.

The role emphasizes safeguarding, consistency, and a nurturing, child-centred approach, with opportunities for professional development and a wide variety of placements.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting children with SEND or complex needs.
• Proven ability to provide 1:1 and small-group support in primary settings.
• Ability to adapt activities to individual pupil needs, support ASC/ADHD/SLCN/SEMH.

Responsibilities

• Provide dedicated 1:1 support to pupils with SEND.
• Support pupils with mixed and complex SEND needs in mainstream primary settings.
• Implement strategies from individual provision plans and EHCPs.
• Assist with transitions, safety, and safeguarding.
• Support pupils to access curriculum and school community.

Skills

SEND experience

1:1 support

Behaviour management

Team collaboration

Education

Level 2/3 Supporting Teaching and Learning

CACHE or SEND qualifications

Tools

Communication with teachers

Job description

SEND Specialist Teaching Assistant

Location: Southport
Role: SEND Specialist Teaching Assistant
Sector: Primary Education
Employment Type: Full-time
Start Date: Immediate

Experienced SEND Teaching Assistant

TeacherActive Liverpool are currently recruiting for experienced and dedicated SEND Specialist Teaching Assistants to work across a range of welcoming and inclusive primary schools throughout Southport and the surrounding areas.

We are looking for passionate education professionals who have experience supporting children with SEND, complex needs and challenging behaviour, and who are confident providing both 1:1 and small-group support within a primary school environment.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Teaching Assistant who is looking for a rewarding role where they can make a genuine difference to the educational, social and emotional development of children.

The Role

As a SEND Specialist Teaching Assistant, you will provide tailored support to pupils with a range of additional and complex needs, working closely with the class teacher, SENCO, pastoral staff and wider multidisciplinary teams.

Depending on the individual pupil and school, responsibilities may include:

• Providing dedicated 1:1 support to pupils with SEND.
• Supporting pupils with mixed and complex SEND needs within mainstream primary settings.
• Supporting pupils with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC/ASD), ADHD, SLCN, SEMH and associated learning difficulties.
• Supporting pupils with EHCPs and implementing strategies identified within their individual provision.
• Adapting classroom activities and learning resources to meet individual needs.
• Breaking learning into manageable steps and encouraging pupils to develop independence.
• Supporting children with communication and interaction difficulties.
• Providing emotional and sensory regulation support.
• Supporting pupils who may experience dysregulation, anxiety or challenging behaviour.
• Implementing positive behaviour and de-escalation strategies.
• Supporting pupils during lessons, transitions, breaktimes and lunchtimes.
• Encouraging positive relationships and appropriate social interaction.
• Working alongside teachers and SENCOs to monitor progress and identify barriers to learning.
• Providing feedback regarding pupils' academic, social, emotional and behavioural development.
• Supporting pupils to access the wider school curriculum and school community.
• Maintaining a consistent, nurturing and child-centred approach.

Experience We Are Looking For

We are particularly interested in hearing from candidates who have previous experience working with children who have complex or multiple SEND needs.

You may have experience supporting pupils with:

• Autism / ASC / ASD
• ADHD
• Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN)
• SEMH
• Moderate, Severe or Complex Learning Difficulties
• Global Developmental Delay
• Sensory Processing Difficulties
• Behavioural and emotional needs
• Attachment and trauma-related needs
• Physical or medical needs
• Complex communication needs
• EHCP-led provision
• Children requiring significant levels of adult support

Previous experience working 1:1 with pupils in a mainstream primary school is highly desirable.

We would also welcome applications from candidates with experience in specialist schools, alternative provision, residential settings, youth work, care environments or other relevant settings where they have developed transferable SEND skills.

The Successful Candidate

The successful candidate will be:

• Experienced in supporting children with SEND.
• Confident working on a 1:1 basis.
• Patient, calm and nurturing.
• Able to build positive and trusting relationships with children.
• Confident managing challenging or dysregulated behaviour.
• Able to remain calm and consistent in potentially demanding situations.
• Flexible and adaptable to the needs of individual pupils.
• Confident communicating with teachers, SENCOs and other professionals.
• Committed to safeguarding and promoting children's welfare.
• Reliable, professional and resilient.
• Passionate about helping children overcome barriers to learning.
• Able to work effectively as part of a wider school team.

Relevant qualifications such as Level 2/3 Supporting Teaching and Learning, CACHE, SEND qualifications, Autism-specific training, Team Teach or other positive behaviour/de-escalation training are desirable. However, relevant practical experience will also be considered.

Why Work With TeacherActive Liverpool?

TeacherActive works closely with primary schools across Liverpool and the wider Merseyside area, providing education professionals with access to a wide range of teaching and support opportunities.

As a TeacherActive candidate, you will receive:

• Access to a wide range of SEND Teaching Assistant opportunities across Liverpool.
• Long-term, temporary and permanent opportunities.
• Competitive rates of pay.
• Support from a dedicated education recruitment consultant.
• Regular communication throughout your placement.
• Access to professional development and training opportunities.
• Opportunities to work in mainstream and specialist education settings.
• A personalised service based on your experience and career goals.

Safeguarding & Compliance

Because our candidates work directly with children and young people, safeguarding is at the heart of our recruitment and compliance process.

All candidates must successfully complete the relevant pre-employment and safeguarding checks before undertaking work in our partner schools.

Our compliance process may include:

• Enhanced DBS Check on the update service
• Right to Work
• Identity Verification
• Employment References
• Qualifications & Experience
• Safeguarding
• Overseas Checks
• Safeguarding Training
• Safer Recruitment