SEND Teaching Assistant

Five Education; Cheltenham; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free DBS (refunded after 20 days)

Recommending a friend bonus scheme

Specialist mentoring while you work

Job summary

Five Education is seeking a compassionate Teaching Assistant to support students with SEND in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. The role focuses on assisting learners with Autism, ADHD, and communication difficulties, in a patient and inclusive setting.

Ideal candidates will have experience with SEND, resilience, and a proactive attitude toward behaviour support and student wellbeing, working closely with staff to help pupils thrive academically and personally.

Qualifications

• Experience working with SEND students, especially Autism and ADHD.
• Ability to manage challenging behaviour with patience.
• Strong communication and teamwork.
• Commitment to inclusive education.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support aligned to EHCP targets.
• Adapt learning materials to varied learning styles and developmental needs.
• Support communication, emotional regulation, confidence, and independence.
• Collaborate with teaching staff and SENDCo on effective support strategies.
• Promote a positive, inclusive, and safe learning environment.
• Supervise students during breaks and lunchtimes.

Skills

SEND experience

Autism knowledge

Behaviour support

Team collaboration

Job description

Teaching Assistant - SEND Support in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire

Five Education are seeking a compassionate, patient, and dedicated Teaching Assistant to join in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. This rewarding role involves supporting students with a range of additional needs, including Autism, ADHD, speech and language difficulties, and physical disabilities.

Previous experience supporting young people with SEND, particularly Autism, and confidence in managing challenging behaviour are essential. The successful candidate will be resilient, empathetic, and committed to helping every student thrive both academically and personally.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide tailored 1:1 and small-group support in line with individual learning needs and EHCP targets.
• Adapt learning materials and classroom approaches to suit a variety of learning styles and developmental needs.
• Support students in developing communication skills, emotional regulation, confidence, and independence.
• Work collaboratively with teaching staff and the SENDCo to implement effective support strategies and encourage student progress.
• Promote a positive, inclusive, and safe learning environment throughout the school day.
• Supervise students during break and lunch times, ensuring their wellbeing and inclusion.

What We’re Looking For

• Experience working with young people with SEND, particularly Autism, ADHD, speech and language difficulties, and physical disabilities.
• A calm, flexible, and nurturing approach to supporting students with complex and varied needs.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• A genuine passion for inclusion and supporting positive outcomes for all learners.
• Resilience, patience, and a proactive attitude towards behaviour support and student wellbeing.

Essential Requirements

• Right to work in the UK - we are unable to offer Sponsorship or accept Skilled Worker visas.
• Able to provide two recent references (from the last two years).
• Hold a current DBS check registered on the Update Service, or be willing to apply for one*

*Please note, if you do not have a Non-Voluntary Enhanced DBS on the Update Service, we will need to help you process a new one at a cost of £62.70. This will be refunded after 20 days of work with us.

What can Five Education offer you?

• Free DBS (refunded when you work 20 days
• Recommending a friend bonus scheme
• Specialist support/ mentoring while you are working

We welcome and encourage job applications from people of all backgrounds. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as they are currently under-represented at this level.

Pay: Five Education operates a PAYE payroll; this is the most transparent way to be paid with no hidden fees such as admin fee or employer's NI. Please note pay rate is for illustration and does include holiday pay.

Vetting: Five Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all of the staff we employ to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to undergo checks including reference checks, TRA checks and will need to have a DBS; there will also be an interview.