SEND Teaching Assistant

Ribbons & Reeves; Colchester; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

Ribbons & Reeves is assisting a welcoming primary school in Colchester to recruit a SEND Support Teaching Assistant (Complex Needs) for an ASAP start. The role is full-time and temporary, focused on pupils with complex additional needs, offering a rewarding chance to make a difference in learning, development and wellbeing.

You will provide 1:1 and small-group support, help with communication, personal development and ensuring an inclusive environment.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting children with SEND or complex needs in a school setting.
• Caring, patient and empathetic approach.
• Ability to adapt to individual learning needs.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Full right to work in the UK; visa sponsorship not available.
• Experience with autism or sensory needs is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with complex needs.
• Support communication, learning, social interaction and personal development.
• Assist with delivering engaging, differentiated and accessible learning activities.
• Encourage independence, confidence and positive behaviour.
• Support pupils in the classroom, sensory room and outdoor learning areas.
• Build positive, trusting relationships with pupils and staff.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, the SENDCO and the wider school team.
• Adapt activities and communication approaches to suit individual needs.
• Support pupils' emotional regulation, sensory needs and overall wellbeing.
• Help maintain a safe, inclusive and nurturing learning environment.

Skills

SEND Support

1:1 Support

Teamwork

Patience

Communication

Inclusive Education

Job description

SEND Support Teaching Assistant (Complex Needs) – Colchester – ASAP Start

A welcoming and inclusive primary school in Colchester is seeking a caring, patient and enthusiastic SEND Support Teaching Assistant (Complex Needs) to join their team on a temporary, full-time basis, starting ASAP.

This is an excellent opportunity for an individual who is passionate about supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), particularly pupils with complex additional needs. Whether you have previous experience in a school, specialist provision or a related care setting, this role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference to children's learning, development and wellbeing.

About the School

The school has a dedicated specialist provision supporting a small number of pupils with complex additional needs. The provision includes a dedicated learning space, sensory room and outdoor area, creating a nurturing and supportive environment where pupils can develop academically, socially, emotionally and physically.

You will work closely with teachers, the existing Teaching Assistant and the SENDCO to deliver personalised support tailored to each child's individual needs.

The Role – SEND Support Teaching Assistant (Complex Needs)

As a SEND Support Teaching Assistant, you will:

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with complex additional needs.

• Support children's communication, learning, social interaction and personal development.

• Assist with delivering engaging, differentiated and accessible learning activities.

• Encourage independence, confidence and positive behaviour.

• Support pupils in the classroom, sensory room and outdoor learning areas.

• Build positive, trusting relationships with pupils and staff.

• Work collaboratively with teachers, the SENDCO and the wider school team.

• Adapt activities and communication approaches to suit individual needs.

• Support pupils' emotional regulation, sensory needs and overall wellbeing.

• Help maintain a safe, inclusive and nurturing learning environment.

What We're Looking For

The ideal SEND Support Teaching Assistant will have:

• Experience supporting children or young people with SEND or additional needs, ideally within a primary school or specialist setting.

• A caring, patient and empathetic approach.

• A genuine passion for supporting pupils with complex needs.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

• The ability to adapt to different learning styles and individual needs.

• A proactive, flexible and positive attitude.

• The confidence to work collaboratively as part of a supportive team.

• A commitment to promoting inclusion, independence and pupil wellbeing.

• Full legal right to work in the UK, as visa sponsorship is not available.

• Experience supporting children with autism, communication difficulties, sensory needs or complex learning needs would be advantageous.

Why Apply?

This is a fantastic opportunity to gain valuable experience in a specialist primary school provision in Colchester while making a genuine difference to the lives of children with complex additional needs.

The role would suit an aspiring teacher, experienced Teaching Assistant, care professional or individual looking to develop a career in SEND education, child development or specialist support.

You will have the opportunity to develop your skills in personalised learning, communication support, sensory approaches and inclusive education while working alongside an experienced school team.

If you are passionate about helping children with complex needs thrive and are looking for a rewarding full-time opportunity in Colchester, we would love to hear from you.

ASAP Start | Colchester | Full-Time | Temporary | Primary School | SEND Support Teaching Assistant | Complex Needs | Specialist Provision | Autism | Additional Needs | Inclusive Education | INDESX