SEND Teaching Assistant

Specialist SEND Group; Widnes; Hybrid; GBP 18,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

Specialist SEND Group is seeking an experienced and passionate SEND Teaching Assistant to join a specialist SEND school, supporting children and young people with complex needs.

You will provide 1:1 and small-group support, work with learners with ASD/ADHD and other complex needs, and use communication aids to aid learning. The role focuses on creating a safe, inclusive environment and supporting the teaching team.

Qualifications

• Extensive previous experience working with children or young people with SEND.
• Experience in a specialist SEND school or similar setting.
• Strong understanding of ASD, ADHD, Learning Disabilities and complex needs.
• Ability to manage challenging behaviours using calm, therapeutic approach.
• Experience supporting non-verbal learners with alternative communication methods.
• Enhanced DBS registered on the Update Service, or willingness to obtain one.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support to learners with a variety of SEND needs.
• Support pupils with complex learning difficulties, communication barriers and sensory needs.
• Use communication aids such as PECS, Makaton, visual timetables and now-and-next boards.
• Implement positive behaviour support and de‑escalation strategies.
• Assist with sensory activities, emotional regulation and personalised learning.
• Support with personal care where required.
• Work closely with teachers and other professionals to deliver tailored education and support.
• Create a safe, positive and inclusive learning environment.

Skills

Extensive SEND experience

Patience

Empathy

Behaviour management

Non-verbal communication support

Education

Level 2 or Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification

Job description

Specialist SEND Group is looking for an experienced and passionate SEND Teaching Assistant to join a specialist SEND school, supporting children and young people with a range of complex additional needs.

We are looking for someone with extensive hands‑on SEND experience who is confident supporting learners with Autism (ASD), ADHD, Learning Disabilities, PMLD, communication difficulties and challenging behaviours.

The ideal candidate will be patient, nurturing, adaptable and genuinely passionate about making a difference to young people with additional needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support to learners with a variety of SEND needs.
• Support pupils with complex learning difficulties, communication barriers and sensory needs.
• Use communication aids such as PECS, Makaton, visual timetables and now-and-next boards.
• Implement positive behaviour support and de‑escalation strategies.
• Assist with sensory activities, emotional regulation and personalised learning.
• Support with personal care where required.
• Work closely with teachers and other professionals to deliver tailored education and support.
• Create a safe, positive and inclusive learning environment.

Essential Requirements

• Extensive previous experience working with children or young people with SEND – essential.
• Experience within a specialist SEND school or similar setting.
• Strong understanding of ASD, ADHD, Learning Disabilities and complex needs.
• Confidence managing behaviours that challenge using a calm, therapeutic approach.
• Experience supporting non‑verbal learners and using alternative communication methods.
• A patient, compassionate and resilient personality.
• Enhanced DBS registered on the Update Service, or willingness to obtain one.

Desirable Experience

• Experience supporting learners with PMLD and personal care needs.
• Level 2 or Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification.
• Knowledge of sensory integration and trauma‑informed approaches.