SEND Teaching Assistant

Five Education; Oxford; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Five Education is seeking a compassionate Teaching Assistant to support pupils with SEND in Oxfordshire. The role focuses on 1:1 and small-group support, adapting materials to diverse needs, and promoting inclusion and wellbeing throughout the school day.

Ideal candidates have experience with Autism/ADHD and strong teamwork. DBS checks, right to work in the UK, and references are essential. Free DBS and specialist training are offered by Five Education.

Qualifications

• Experience working with SEND, especially Autism, ADHD, speech and language difficulties, and physical disabilities.
• Calm, flexible, nurturing approach to students with complex needs.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively in a team.
• Genuine passion for inclusion and positive outcomes for learners.
• Resilience, patience, and proactive behaviour support.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support aligned to individual needs and EHCP targets.
• Adapt learning materials and teaching methods to suit diverse learning styles.
• Support development of communication, emotional regulation, confidence, and independence.
• Collaborate with teaching staff and SENDCo to implement effective support strategies.
• Promote a positive, inclusive, safe learning environment throughout the day.
• Supervise students during breaks and lunch ensuring wellbeing and inclusion.

Skills

Compassionate

Patience

Dedicated

Strong communication

Resilience

Teamwork

Job description

Teaching Assistant – SEND Support in Oxfordshire

Five Education are seeking a compassionate, patient, and dedicated Teaching Assistant to join a well-resourced school in Oxford. This rewarding role involves supporting students with a range of additional needs, including Autism, ADHD, speech and language difficulties, and physical disabilities.

Previous experience supporting young people with SEND, particularly Autism, and confidence in managing challenging behaviour are essential. The successful candidate will be resilient, empathetic, and committed to helping every student thrive both academically and personally.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide tailored 1:1 and small-group support in line with individual learning needs and EHCP targets.
• Adapt learning materials and classroom approaches to suit a variety of learning styles and developmental needs.
• Support students in developing communication skills, emotional regulation, confidence, and independence.
• Work collaboratively with teaching staff and the SENDCo to implement effective support strategies and encourage student progress.
• Promote a positive, inclusive, and safe learning environment throughout the school day.
• Supervise students during break and lunch times, ensuring their wellbeing and inclusion.

What We’re Looking For

• Experience working with young people with SEND, particularly Autism, ADHD, speech and language difficulties, and physical disabilities.
• A calm, flexible, and nurturing approach to supporting students with complex and varied needs.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• A genuine passion for inclusion and supporting positive outcomes for all learners.
• Resilience, patience, and a proactive attitude towards behaviour support and student wellbeing.

Essential requirements

• Right to work in the UK – we are unable to offer Sponsorship or accept Skilled Worker visas.
• Able to provide two recent references (from the last two years).
• Hold a current DBS check registered on the Update Service, or be willing to apply for one. If you do not have a Non-Voluntary Enhanced DBS on the Update Service, we will need to help you process a new one at a cost of £62.70. This will be refunded after 20 days of work with us.

What can Five Education offer you?

• Free specialised training in areas such as Team Teach, Makaton, PMLD/SLD Awareness, Autism Awareness, and more.
• Free DBS (refunded when you work 20 days).
• Recommending a friend bonus scheme.
• Specialist support/ mentoring while you are working.

Pay

Five Education operates a PAYE payroll; this is the most transparent way to be paid with no hidden fees such as admin fee or employer's NI. Please note pay rate is for illustration and does includes holiday pay.

Vetting

Five Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all of the staff we employ to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to undergo checks including reference checks, TRA checks and will need to have a DBS; there will also be an interview.

We welcome and encourage job applications from people of all backgrounds. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as they are currently under-represented at this level.