SLD Teaching Assistant – Severe Learning Difficulties

Classroom Support; City Of London; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 19,000; Full time

Job summary

Classroom Support is seeking a caring SEN Teaching Assistant to support pupils with Severe Learning Difficulties and complex needs at a Greenwich specialist school. The role focuses on structured, patient, and consistent daily support to promote safety and learning.

Experience with SLD, SEMH, ASD/ADHD is advantageous. Training in positive behaviour management is beneficial, with opportunities to develop in a dedicated education setting and gain ongoing school-based guidance.

Qualifications

• Strong behaviour management skills.
• Patience and empathy when supporting pupils.
• Ability to follow school procedures and behaviour plans.
• Excellent communication with staff and pupils.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support for pupils with SLD and complex needs.
• Support pupils with challenging behaviour and emotional regulation.
• Follow individual support plans and EHCPs.
• Assist with personal care where required with dignity.
• Observe changes in pupil wellbeing and progress and communicate to staff.

Skills

Behaviour management

Patience & empathy

Boundaries & structure

Team collaboration

Calm under pressure

Job description

A welcoming specialist school in Greenwich is seeking a caring, resilient and confident Teaching Assistant to support pupils with Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD), complex needs and challenging behaviour.

This rewarding role would suit someone who is passionate about supporting children with additional needs and can provide patient, structured and consistent support throughout the school day. The successful candidate will be confident managing challenging situations, maintaining clear boundaries and helping pupils feel safe, supported and ready to learn.

The pupils you'll support

• Severe and complex learning difficulties (SLD).
• ASD and ADHD.
• SEMH and emotional regulation difficulties.
• Challenging, disruptive or aggressive behaviour.
• Communication difficulties and developmental delay.
• Physical disabilities and associated personal care needs.

Some pupils may have EHCPs and require close 1:1 support throughout the school day, both within the classroom and during transitions and daily activities.

What you'll do

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support for pupils with SLD and complex needs.
• Support pupils with challenging behaviour, emotional regulation and behavioural difficulties.
• Implement behaviour management strategies and maintain clear, consistent boundaries.
• Respond calmly and confidently to challenging, aggressive or unpredictable behaviour.
• Support pupils with communication, engagement and participation in classroom activities.
• Follow individual behaviour support plans, EHCPs and school procedures.
• Provide personal care, where required, with dignity and sensitivity.
• Support pupils through transitions, changes in routine and potentially challenging situations.
• Encourage positive choices, independence and social interaction.
• Observe and communicate changes in behaviour, wellbeing and progress to teaching staff.
• Work collaboratively with teachers and other professionals to ensure consistent support.

Who would suit this role?

We're particularly interested in candidates with experience supporting children or young people with SLD, complex SEND, challenging behaviour or SEMH needs.

Experience in specialist SEN schools, residential care, alternative provisions, or supporting individuals with complex learning and behavioural needs would be highly beneficial.

You'll need to demonstrate

• Strong behaviour management skills and confidence supporting challenging behaviour.
• The ability to establish and maintain clear boundaries and expectations.
• A calm, resilient and consistent approach when managing difficult situations.
• Patience, empathy and an understanding of complex learning needs.
• Confidence supporting pupils with personal care and additional physical needs, where required.
• The ability to follow individual support plans and work effectively within a team.
• Excellent communication skills and a genuine commitment to supporting pupils' development.

Relevant training in Team Teach, MAPA, PRICE or other positive behaviour management and de‑escalation approaches would be advantageous.

What the role offers

• A full-time opportunity in Greenwich.
• Competitive pay of £95-£97 per day, depending on experience.
• Valuable experience within a specialist SLD setting.
• The opportunity to make a meaningful difference to pupils with complex needs.
• Support and guidance from experienced school staff.
• Ongoing support from a dedicated education consultant.

Progress in this role may mean helping a pupil regulate their emotions, engage with a learning activity, communicate their needs or develop greater independence within their daily routine.

As an SEN Teaching Assistant, you'll play an important role in providing the structure, consistency, patience and specialist support pupils need to feel safe, access learning and reach their individual potential.