SEND TA

Simply Education; Lewisham; On-site; GBP 14,000 - 19,000; Full time

Job summary

Simply Education supports a vibrant Lewisham special school by sourcing a Teaching Assistant with SEN experience. You will help deliver engaging lessons tailored to each pupil, use Makaton/PECS/AAC to aid communication, and assist with personal care while collaborating with teachers, therapists, and families to enable progress.

The role requires a patient, proactive approach in an inclusive setting, with training and DBS checks provided as part of ongoing development.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting individuals with SEN (SLD/PMLD/medical needs).
• Strong communication and teamwork in multi-disciplinary settings.
• Patience, empathy, resilience; positive attitude.
• Willingness to support personal care and medical needs.
• Desirable: Level 2/3 in Supporting Teaching & Learning / CACHE.

Responsibilities

• Support learning and deliver engaging lessons tailored to each pupil.
• Encourage communication using Makaton, PECS, or AAC devices.
• Provide personal and social support including personal care.
• Work with teachers, therapists, and families to support learners.
• Monitor progress and update parents on milestones.

Skills

SEN experience

Communication skills

Patience

Teamwork

English proficiency

Inclusive education

Education

Level 2/3 certificate

CACHE qualification

Job description

About the school

Are you looking for a rewarding role in an Outstanding (Ofsted-rated) specialist school where every day brings new challenges, smiles, and opportunities to make a real difference? My client is a vibrant and inclusive special school in the heart of Lewisham, supporting children and young people aged 2 to 19 years with severe learning difficulties (SLD), profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD), and complex medical needs.

We pride ourselves on creating a warm, fun, and nurturing environment where pupils feel valued, engaged, and excited to learn. Our dedicated multi-disciplinary team works collaboratively to inspire, support, and empower our learners to achieve their full potential.

Now, we're on the lookout for an enthusiastic Teaching Assistant with SEN experience to join our amazing team.

What Will You Be Doing?

• Supporting Learning & Development - Helping to adapt and deliver exciting, engaging, and interactive lessons tailored to each pupil's individual needs.
• Encouraging Communication - Using alternative communication methods (e.g., Makaton, PECS, AAC devices) to help pupils express themselves.
• Providing Personal & Social Support - Assisting with personal care, mobility, and medical needs, ensuring pupils feel comfortable, safe, and happy. Making Learning Fun! - Engaging pupils through sensory play, music, art, and outdoor activities.
• Teamwork Makes the Dream Work - Working closely with teachers, therapists, and families to create a supportive and enriching environment.
• Celebrating Progress - Monitoring and recording pupil achievements to celebrate milestones and keep parents and carers updated.

What Are We Looking For?

We're after kind, patient, and proactive individuals who are passionate about inclusive education. You don't need to have worked in a school before, but experience supporting children or young people with SEN is a must!

Essential Skills & Qualities:

• A genuine passion for working with children and young people with special educational needs.
• Experience supporting individuals with SLD, PMLD, or complex medical needs.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• A positive, can-do attitude and the ability to think on your feet!
• Patience, empathy, and resilience - every small success makes a big difference.
• Willingness to support pupils with personal care and medical needs (full training provided).
• Good level of spoken and written English.

Desirable (But Not Essential!)

• A relevant qualification (e.g., Level 2/3 in Supporting Teaching & Learning, CACHE, or equivalent).
• Experience using Makaton, PECS, or sensory learning techniques.
• Manual Handling or Team Teach training (don't worry - we can provide this too!).

Why us?

• A Supportive & Friendly Team - Work in a close-knit, passionate team that truly cares about each pupil and staff member.
• Training & Development - Gain specialist SEN training and career progression opportunities.
• A Fun & Rewarding Role - No two days are the same, and there's plenty of laughter along the way!
• Outstanding Facilities - Work in a well-resourced school with sensory rooms, therapy spaces, and outdoor learning areas.
• Make a Difference! - Help pupils build confidence, independence, and life skills.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants will be required to undergo an Enhanced DBS check and provide satisfactory references.