SEND Teaching Assistant

The Mawney Foundation School; Romford; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

The Mawney Foundation School is seeking a dedicated support assistant to work with pupils with SEND under the direction of the SENDCO and Class teacher. The role involves promoting participation, independence and improving learning outcomes within a collaborative staff team.

Experience or interest in ASD, preverbal communication, PECS, Makaton and attention autism would be advantageous. The post also includes lunchtime duty, supervising pupils and ensuring a safe, enjoyable provision.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting pupils with SEND.
• Background knowledge in ASD and/or preverbal communication is advantageous.
• Experience with PECS, Makaton and attention autism is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils with SEND under the SENDCO and Class teacher.
• Help pupils become more independent learners and raise achievement.
• Include lunchtime duties: supervising groups at lunchtimes.
• Work as part of a supportive and experienced school team.

Skills

Pupil support

Interpersonal skills

Team collaboration

Flexible work

Education

SEND support qualification

Tools

PECS

Makaton

Attention autism

Job description

Salary: £30,408 - £30,843 full time equivalent. Actual salary will be pro rata.

Contract: Permanent

The Mawney Foundation School is a vibrant, diverse and inclusive school. Our wonderful pupils and wider school community make it an exciting place to learn and work.

Required to start as soon as possible, we are looking for an enthusiastic, flexible, confident individual with excellent interpersonal skills to support pupils with SEND under the overall direction of the SENDCO and Class teacher, and in partnership with an existing staff team.

This important role involves fostering the participation of nominated pupils in the social and academic processes of the school; seek to enable the pupil to become a more independent learner; and help to raise standards of achievement. A background knowledge, experience and/or qualifications in ASD, preverbal children, as well as experience in the use of PECS, Makaton and attention autism would be advantageous.

The post also includes lunchtime duty, supporting and supervising groups of pupils at lunchtimes, ensuring a safe and fun provision.

If you have the necessary skills, qualifications, attitudes and abilities laid out in the Job Description and Personal Specification; and want to join our supportive and experienced team- we look forward to receiving your application!

Interviews: 13 th October 2026

This post is exempt from the provision of the rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, and the successful applicant will be expected to undertake an enhanced disclosure.

Safeguarding

Havering Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The protection of our pupils from abuse is the responsibility of all staff within our schools, superseding any other considerations. Therefore Havering Schools comply with the Department for Education ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ guidance.

It is an offence to apply for a post which involves engaging in regulated activity relevant to children if you are barred from doing so. Please be advised that, again in line with ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’, shortlisted candidates (who wish to accept an invite to interview) will be required to submit, prior to their interview, a self-declaration of their criminal record or information that would make them unsuitable to work with children. Upon submission of this information, online checks may be carried out.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974; the successful applicant will be expected to undertake an enhanced DBS disclosure check. Having a criminal record will not necessarily debar you from obtaining a position with the School.

Equal Opportunities

Havering Schools aim to promote and ensure equality of opportunity and equal treatment for all. We are committed to equal opportunities in employment regardless of gender, marital status, race, colour, nationality (including citizenship), ethnic or national origins, disabilities, age, sexual orientation, responsibility for dependants, religious or political affiliation and trade union activities. All matters related to employment are decided on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need.