SEND Teaching Assistant

Axcis Education; Dawlish; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

Axcis Education in Dawlish, Devon is seeking a proactive Teaching Assistant to support pupils with additional needs. You will work alongside teachers and support staff to enable learning through 1:1 and group activities.

No prior school experience is required; the school provides full guidance. The role offers a long-term opportunity with potential for a permanent position and a rewarding, varied day working with a close-knit team.

Qualifications

• Patience and compassion to support children with additional needs.
• Reliability and positive attitude to help pupils reach potential.
• Good communication to work with teachers and families.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support.
• Help pupils engage with personalised learning activities.
• Use sensory approaches and communication strategies.
• Support outdoor and practical learning activities.
• Assist with activities like swimming and rebound sessions.
• Encourage pupil independence and confidence.

Skills

Patience

Empathy

Communication

Reliability

Teamwork

Job description

Location: Dawlish, Devon Working Pattern: Full-time, term-time Start Date: November 2026 Contract: Long-term opportunity with potential for a permanent position

What Will You Be Doing?

As a Teaching Assistant, you will work alongside teachers and experienced support staff to help pupils access their learning and get the most from their school day. Your responsibilities may include:

• Providing 1:1 and small-group support where required
• Helping pupils engage with personalised learning activities
• Using sensory approaches and communication strategies
• Supporting outdoor and practical learning
• Taking part in activities such as swimming and rebound sessions
• Encouraging pupils to develop confidence and independence
• Supporting pupils with their physical and personal care needs
• Creating a calm, positive and safe environment
• Working as part of a close-knit multidisciplinary team

The role is varied, practical and highly rewarding. You could spend one part of your day supporting classroom learning and another taking part in outdoor or sensory activities.

Who Are We Looking For?

You don't necessarily need previous experience of working in a school or within SEND. Perhaps you have worked in: Care | Healthcare | Early Years | Youth Work | Education | Support Work. Or perhaps you're simply someone who has the patience, compassion and enthusiasm needed to support children with additional needs. The most important qualities are a positive attitude, reliability and a genuine desire to help young people achieve their potential. You should also be comfortable with the physical and personal care aspects of the role, as some pupils require additional support with their everyday needs. Full guidance and support will be provided by the school.

Why Consider This Role?

This is more than a classroom support position. You will have the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with pupils and see the difference your support can make to their communication, confidence, wellbeing and development. You will benefit from:

• A welcoming and supportive school environment
• Guidance from experienced SEND professionals
• Training and opportunities to develop your skills
• A varied working day
• The opportunity to gain valuable specialist experience
• Potential for long-term and permanent employment

Axcis is an equal opportunities employer and as such we do not discriminate based on age, gender, disability, race or any other equal opportunities criteria.

The company is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. As such, you will be required to provide an up to date DBS, or be prepared to allow Axcis to process one on your behalf, in addition to other mandatory compliance checks in line with the DfE guidelines (for details please see our website).

If the position you are applying for involves working with children or vulnerable adults, this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974.

Axcis Education is an employment agency offering temporary supply work for daily, short-term and long-term assignments in addition to permanent positions.

You must be suitably qualified for the position advertised and be prepared to attend a face to face interview with Axcis to demonstrate your suitability for this role.

Salary / Pay Rate will be dependent on your skills and experience.