SEND Teaching Assistant - Temporary

Epsom Downs Community School & Early Years Centres; London Borough of Southwark; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 22,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development

Forest School training

Qualifications support

Supportive team

Inclusive school community

Job summary

Epsom Downs Community School & Early Years Centre is excited to welcome an enthusiastic 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 and build independence.

You will work with a skilled team, providing personalised support and opportunities to help children develop communication, confidence and social skills.

Qualifications

• Experience of working with children with SEND, particularly autism.
• Enthusiasm, compassion and willingness to learn.
• Ability to build strong, trusting relationships.
• Commitment to helping children develop confidence and independence.

Skills

SEND experience

Relationship building

Patience & empathy

Behaviour as communication

Independence support

Collaborative team

Belief in 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.

We are seeking someone who:

• 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 vantageous, although enthusiasm, compassion and a willingness to learn are equally important.

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.

Our staff are supported to grow and develop professionally through:

• 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.

We look forward to welcoming somebody who shares our passion for inclusion, nurture and helping every child achieve their very best.

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.

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.

We want to attract the broadest range of talented people to be part of our Trust. We strive to create a diverse and inclusive environment and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. If you need any specific support or require alternative formats, please contact us.