SEND Teaching Assistant - TEMPORARY

eTeach UK Limited; Epsom; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

Epsom Downs Community School is seeking a SEND Teaching Assistant to support pupils with autism within The DEN. This temporary role runs until 31 August 2027, offering 30 hours per week, Monday to Friday, during term time (38 weeks per year).

You will help pupils access learning, build independence and develop communication and social skills in a nurturing environment. The successful candidate will join a skilled team, receive bespoke professional development, and contribute to a school culture

Qualifications

• Experience of working with children with SEND, particularly autism, would be advantageous.
• Demonstrates patience, empathy and resilience; understands behaviour as communication.
• Ability to build strong, trusting relationships with pupils, families and colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils with Autism Spectrum Disorder to access learning and build independence.
• Develop communication skills and support social and emotional wellbeing.
• Work with a dedicated team to provide personalised support within The DEN.

Skills

Passion for SEND

Relationship building

Patience & empathy

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Belief in every child’s potential

Job description

Epsom Downs Community School is excited to welcome an enthusiastic and skilled SEND Teaching Assistant to join our team on a temporary basis until 31 August 2027, working within The DEN, you will support pupils with Autism Spectrum Disorder to access learning, build independence, develop communication skills and thrive both socially and emotionally.

Make a Difference Every Day

Are you passionate about supporting children with autism to thrive, achieve and feel valued? Do you believe that every child deserves to be understood, celebrated and empowered to reach their full potential? At Epsom Downs Community School & Early Years Centre, inclusion is at the heart of everything we do. We are seeking a caring, committed and enthusiastic SEND Teaching Assistant to join our highly valued specialist autism provision, The DEN. This is an exciting opportunity to become part of a nurturing, forward-thinking school community where relationships matter, children's wellbeing comes first, and every child is supported to flourish both academically and emotionally. Could this be the most rewarding role you'll ever have? Every day in our school, there are moments that matter. The child who uses their voice when they previously couldn't. The child who manages a difficult transition successfully. The child who smiles because someone truly understands them. This is far more than a support role. It is an opportunity to make a genuine difference to a child's life every single day.

About the Role

Working within The DEN, you will support pupils with Autism Spectrum Disorder to access learning, build independence, develop communication skills and thrive both socially and emotionally. You will work alongside a highly skilled and supportive team who are passionate about ensuring every child reaches their potential. The role will involve personalised support for individual pupils, alongside opportunities to support learning across the wider school.

• Has a passion for working with children with additional needs.
• Understands the importance of building strong, trusting relationships.
• Demonstrates patience, empathy and resilience.
• Recognises that behaviour is a form of communication.
• Is committed to helping children develop confidence and independence.
• Enjoys working collaboratively as part of a supportive team.
• Shares our belief that every child can succeed with the right support.

Experience of working with children with SEND, particularly autism, would be ad vantagi ous, although enthusiasm, compassion and a willingness to learn are equally important.

This is a temporary role until 31 August 2027, the working pattern is Monday to Friday from 8.40am - 3.10pm, 30 hours per week, term time only (38 weeks pa). Working day includes a 30 minutes unpaid lunch break.

Why Join Epsom Downs?

As a school, we are proud of our inclusive and nurturing culture. We understand that children learn best when they feel safe, respected and valued. Our work is underpinned by our nurture-based approach, recognising that every child is unique and that relationships are fundamental to success.

• High-quality SEND and inclusion training.
• Bespoke Teaching Assistant professional development.
• Opportunities to gain further qualifications and specialist expertise.
• Forest School training opportunities.
• The chance to work alongside experienced and passionate practitioners.

Our school values of Respect, Resilience, Empathy, Self-Awareness, Positivity, Excellence, Communication and Teamwork are central to everything we do and shape the experiences of both pupils and staff.

What We Can Offer

• A welcoming and highly supportive team.
• Wonderful children who will inspire you every day.
• A genuinely inclusive school community.
• Excellent professional development opportunities.
• A school where wellbeing matters and every member of staff is valued.
• The opportunity to make a lasting difference to children's lives.

Safeguarding Statement

Epsom Downs Community School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. It is a requirement for the successful applicant to undertake a school issued Enhanced DBS check, subscribe to the update service and accept the responsibility for providing and safeguarding the welfare of all pupils and children. ID documents and evidence of address will need to be produced at interview; which for the successful candidate will form the basis of proceeding with a DBS check.

The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Applicants are required to declare all convictions and cautions, even those that are "spent" unless they are "protected" under the DBS filtering rules, to assess suitability to work with children. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to disclose information relevant to safeguarding prior to interview.

Epsom Downs Community School and Early Years Centres is committed to being an equal opportunities employer promoting equality of opportunity for all staff and job applicants. We aim to create a supportive and inclusive working environment in which all individuals are able to make best use of their skills. Applications are invited from all members of the community. We do not discriminate against staff on the basis of age; race; sex; disability; sexual orientation; gender reassignment; marriage and civil partnership; pregnancy and maternity; religion, faith or belief (Equality Act 2010 protected characteristics). The principles of non-discrimination and equality of opportunity also apply to the way in which we treat our visitors and volunteers.