SEND Teaching Assistant

Simply Education Ltd; Moulton; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 20,000; Full time

Job summary

Simply Education Ltd in Northampton seeks a dedicated SEND Teaching Assistant to support 16–18-year-olds with complex needs in a specialist setting. The role runs Monday to Friday, 8:30am–3:45pm, on a temporary contract with a clear pathway to permanent for the right candidate.

You will assist students with learning, personal care, mobility and practical life skills, helping them access education and progress toward independence in a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in SEN settings or specialist schools is highly desirable.
• Ability to support students aged 16–18 with complex needs.
• Comfortable with personal care and mobility support when required.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual and small-group support based on students' needs.
• Help develop communication, social skills and practical learning.
• Encourage independence and preparation for adulthood.
• Provide personal care including toileting, hygiene and meals.
• Support students with disabilities following training.
• Promote positive behaviour and manage emotional/sensory needs.
• Assist with activities to boost confidence and community participation.
• Collaborate with teachers to ensure consistent, personalised support.

Skills

Caring

Patient

Effective communication

Reliable

Team player

Adaptable

Calm

Job description

SEND Teaching Assistant

Location: Northampton

Pay Rate: £100-£110 per day

Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am-3:45pm

Start Date: November

Contract: Temporary, with the opportunity to become permanent for the right candidate

Are you passionate about supporting young people with additional needs to become more confident, capable and independent?

We are seeking a dedicated Post-16 SEN Support Assistant to work within a specialist school in Northampton, supporting students aged 16-18 with complex special educational needs and disabilities.

You will help young people access learning, develop practical everyday skills and prepare for life beyond school. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who wants to make a genuine difference in a supportive, specialist environment.

What will the role involve?

• Provide individual and small-group support based on students' needs and abilities.
• Help students develop communication, social skills and functional learning.
• Encourage independence through practical activities and preparation for adulthood.
• Provide personal care, including toileting, hygiene and mealtime assistance.
• Support students with physical disabilities and mobility needs, following relevant training.
• Promote positive behaviour and help students manage emotional and sensory challenges.
• Assist with activities that develop students' confidence and participation in the wider community.
• Work closely with teachers and colleagues to ensure students receive consistent, personalised support.

What are we looking for?

• Caring, patient and committed to supporting young people with complex needs.
• Comfortable carrying out personal care duties with dignity and sensitivity.
• Confident building positive relationships and communicating effectively.
• Calm, adaptable and able to respond positively to different situations.
• Reliable team players who are willing to learn and develop new skills.
• Previous experience in a special school, care setting, residential support or a similar role would be beneficial.

For the right candidate, there is also the potential to progress from a temporary placement into a permanent position.

If you have the patience, compassion and enthusiasm to support young people on their journey towards greater independence, we would love to hear from you