SEND Teaching Assistant

Senploy; London Borough of Waltham Forest; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

Refine Education is seeking a Primary SEND Teaching Assistant in East London (Waltham Forest) to support pupils with SEND across EYFS–KS2. You will collaborate closely with the class teacher and SENCO to apply sensory resources, structured routines, and early intervention strategies to help pupils access the curriculum.

Experience supporting children with SEND is valued, but not essential; relevant training such as Makaton, TEACCH or PECS is a strong plus.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting pupils with SEND is desirable but not essential.
• Training such as Makaton, TEACCH, or PECS is a strong plus, but not required.
• Calm, patient and consistent approach to supporting pupils with additional needs.
• Resilience, adaptability and a genuine passion for inclusive education.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils with SEND across EYFS, KS1 and KS2.
• Work closely with the class teacher and SENCO.
• Utilise sensory resources, structured routines and early intervention strategies.
• Help pupils access the curriculum and build confidence.

Skills

Patience

Consistency

Resilience

Adaptability

Inclusive education

Education

SEND qualifications not always required

Job description

Primary SEND Teaching Assistant - East London (Waltham Forest)

What does a Primary SEND Teaching Assistant do?

A Primary SEND Teaching Assistant supports young pupils with special educational needs and disabilities across EYFS, KS1 and KS2, working closely with the class teacher and SENCO. This can include supporting pupils with various needs but not limited to autism, ADHD, speech and language needs, or physical disabilities - using sensory resources, structured routines, and early intervention strategies to help pupils access the curriculum and build confidence.

Do you need a SEND qualification or experience?

• Prior experience supporting pupils with SEND (in a school, care setting, or at home) is highly valued, but formal SEND qualifications are not always essential. Schools will often provide training in specific strategies such as Makaton, TEACCH, or PECS once you're in post. What matters most is patience, consistency, and a genuine understanding of how to support pupils with additional needs.

Why work as a Primary SEND Teaching Assistant?

Gain Specialist Experience in Education

• Specialist SEND Skills: Primary SEND work gives you direct experience of early intervention, sensory support, and personalised learning plans - experience that's increasingly sought after across mainstream and specialist schools alike.
• In-Demand Expertise: You'll build genuine expertise in behaviour de-escalation, communication support, and working within an EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan) framework.

Opportunity for Career Progression

• With experience, SEND Teaching Assistants can progress into HLTA positions, SENCO support, or specialist school posts - and this experience is a strong foundation for further study in SEND or educational psychology.

Experience, Training and Qualifications required for the SEND Teaching Assistant position:

• Previous experience supporting children or young people with SEND is desirable but not essential.
• Relevant training (eg. Team Teach, Makaton, autism awareness) is a strong plus, but not required to apply.
• A calm, patient, and consistent approach to supporting pupils with additional needs.
• Resilience, adaptability, and a genuine passion for inclusive education.

To be eligible for the SEND Teaching Assistant position through Refine Education you must:

• Hold Right to Work in the UK.
• Hold an enhanced child barred list DBS certificate registered with the online update service or be willing to process a new application.
• Experience working within an EHCP framework or SEND provision is an advantage, though full training and induction support is provided.