SEND Teaching Assistant

Teach Now; Cleadon; On-site; GBP 12,398,000 - 15,154,000; Full time

Job summary

Teach Now is recruiting a SEND Teaching Assistant to support pupils with complex needs in a Barnet specialist setting, across primary and secondary stages. You will help adapt multisensory activities, support communication targets, and assist with personal care in line with individual plans.

Experience with PMLD or comparable needs is essential, and you will work with teachers and specialists to monitor responses and progress, while safeguarding and DBS checks apply.

Qualifications

• School-based SEND experience is essential, with direct experience supporting PMLD or comparable complex needs.
• Confidence providing dignified personal care and recognising non-verbal communication.
• Ability to follow care plans accurately; relevant moving and handling training is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Adapt multisensory activities and support individual learning and communication targets.
• Use pupils' agreed AAC systems, objects of reference and choice-making strategies.
• Provide personal care, mealtime and mobility support in line with individual plans.
• Carry out moving and handling or delegated health tasks only with appropriate training and authorisation.
• Work with teachers and relevant specialists; record responses, wellbeing and progress.

Skills

SEND experience

Non-verbal communication

Dignified personal care

Job description

About the role

For a pupil with complex needs, making a choice or taking part in a shared experience can be a significant achievement. Join Teach Now as a SEND Teaching Assistant in an all-through Barnet special school, supporting primary and secondary pupils with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD), physical disabilities and complex communication needs.

The school day brings together learning, communication and personal care. This SEND Teaching Assistant role suits someone who notices subtle responses, respects each pupil s pace and understands that comfortable positioning and accessible activities are central to participation. Your consistent support will help pupils have a voice throughout the day.

Key responsibilities

• Adapt multisensory activities and support individual learning and communication targets.
• Use pupils agreed AAC systems, objects of reference and choice-making strategies.
• Provide personal care, mealtime and mobility support in line with individual plans.
• Carry out moving and handling or delegated health tasks only with appropriate training and authorisation.
• Work with teachers and relevant specialists; record responses, wellbeing and progress.

Requirements

• School-based SEND experience is essential, with direct experience supporting PMLD or comparable complex needs.
• Confidence providing dignified personal care and recognising non-verbal communication.
• Ability to follow care plans accurately; relevant moving and handling training is advantageous.

You must be based in the UK, have the right to work in the UK and be able to commit to a long-term placement. Visa sponsorship is not available. A strong commitment to safeguarding is essential.

What this role offers

• A stable, full-time placement supporting sustained relationships with pupils.
• Experience across primary and secondary stages within one specialist setting.
• Meaningful involvement in communication, participation and everyday independence.
• Opportunities to apply specialist skills alongside education and care colleagues.

Why work via Teach Now

Teach Now offers a dedicated consultant, ongoing support and access to CPD through our experienced senior leaders. Our refer-a-friend scheme pays £150 once your referred candidate has worked and been paid for their first 10 days. Pay is in line with Agency Worker Regulations where applicable.

Teach Now is committed to equality, safer recruitment and safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults. All staff are expected to share this commitment. Appointment is subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and relevant pre-employment checks.