Special Educational Needs Teaching Assistant

eTeach UK Limited; Redhill; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in the United Kingdom seeks an experienced Specialist SEN Teaching Assistant. The role focuses on offering tailored support to pupils with complex needs, including Autism and Social, Emotional, and Mental Health challenges. Responsibilities include delivering bespoke interventions and collaborating with teachers and parents to enhance learning environments. Candidates should have at least 2+ years of experience in SEN settings and a commitment to pupil welfare. The position is full-time, 28.75 hours per week, during school terms.

Qualifications

• 2+ years specialist experience supporting children with complex SEN.
• Deep understanding of safeguarding procedures.
• Exceptional patience and a positive approach.

Responsibilities

• Provide bespoke interventions for pupils with complex needs.
• Support pupils through emotional crises using de-escalation techniques.
• Work with parents and staff to ensure a supportive approach.
• Track and report on pupil progress.

Skills

Supporting children with complex SEN

Emotional regulation techniques

Communication strategies

Collaboration with SENCO and teachers

Education

NVQ Level 3 in supporting teaching and learning

Job description

The RoleAre you a highly skilled, resilient, and passionate individual ready to become a Specialist SEN Teaching Assistant?We are seeking an exceptional professional to join our dedicated team and provide expert 1:1 and small group support to pupils with complex needs, including Autism (ASD) and Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH).At Nutfield Church Primary, we believe that every child deserves a curriculum tailored to their unique world.

Dual Responsibility: Specialist Intervention and Whole-School Support

While the core focus of this role is delivering specialist support to our children with EHCPs and high-level SEN needs, the successful candidate will also be an integral part of the wider school team.

We Are Looking For a Specialist Who Will:

• Deliver Bespoke Interventions: Plan and deliver highly tailored learning and therapeutic activities based on EHCP targets for pupils with complex needs.
• Be a Model of Emotional Regulation: Support pupils through emotional crises and challenging behaviours using proactive, de-escalation, and restorative practices (e.g., Team Teach/Positive Behaviour Support training is highly desirable).
• Champion Communication: Utilise and model alternative communication strategies to facilitate engagement and reduce anxiety.
• Build Bridges: Work closely with the SENCO, class teachers, and parents to ensure a consistent, supportive approach across school and home environments.
• Drive Personal Growth: Accurately track and report on pupil progress, contributing expert observations to Annual Reviews and multi-agency meetings.

Additional Whole-School Duties

• Provide General Classroom Support: Offer flexible support to the classroom teacher, including preparing resources, running general literacy/numeracy boosters, and helping to maintain a safe and stimulating learning environment.
• Supervise Mid-Day Meals: Participate fully in mid-day supervision duties to ensure the safety and welfare of all pupils during the lunch break period.

What You Will Bring:

Essential Requirements:

• Proven, specialist experience (2+ years) supporting children or young people with complex SEN (e.g., ASD, SEMH, complex medical needs).
• Deep understanding of safeguarding procedures and a commitment to protecting pupil welfare.
• Exceptional patience, resilience, and a positive, solution-focused approach to challenging situations.

Desirable Skills:

• NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent) qualification in supporting teaching and learning, or a related field.
• Formal training in areas such as Team Teach, Lego Therapy, Autism awareness, Attachment Theory, or ELSA.

This full-time role involves: Working 28.75 hours per week. 5 days a week, during school term times.

The working day will be from 8:45 am to 3:15 pm.

To arrange a visit to the school or to discuss the role in more detail, please contact the School. Due to the immediate need to fill this specialist role, we will be reviewing applications and interviewing candidates on an ongoing basis. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if a suitable candidate is appointed. Therefore, early application is strongly encouraged.