Special Needs Teaching Assistant

Timeplan Education Group; London; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

TimePlan Education Group is seeking an SEND Teaching Assistant in London (Haringey) to support pupils with a range of special educational needs and disabilities. This role requires empathy, patience and a proactive approach to helping learners access the curriculum.

You will provide 1:1 and small group support, using Makaton, PECS and other visual tools. The post involves working across EYFS and Key Stages 1–2 within SEND provisions or mainstream classrooms and includes safeguarding

Qualifications

• Have previous experience supporting children with SEND in a school or similar setting.
• Be confident using or willing to use Makaton, PECS, Bucket Time, Now and Next boards, and other visual communication strategies.
• Demonstrate a calm, nurturing, and consistent approach to behaviour management.
• Be adaptable, resilient, and able to respond to the changing needs of pupils.
• Have excellent communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small group support for pupils with SEND.
• Use communication strategies such as Makaton, PECS, Now and Next boards, visual timetables and social stories.
• Support pupils during structured interventions including Bucket Time, sensory regulation activities, phonics, literacy and numeracy sessions.
• Encourage positive behaviour through routines, positive reinforcement and personalised behaviour support plans.
• Work closely with the class teacher, SENCO, therapists and external professionals to implement support plans and EHCP targets.
• Promote communication, social interaction, emotional regulation and independence throughout the day.
• Support pupils during transitions, breaktimes and lunchtimes as required.

Skills

1:1 support

Behaviour management

Communication

Teamwork

Adaptability

Tools

Makaton

PECS

Now and Next boards

Visual timetables

Job description

SEND Teaching Assistant

Start: ASAP
Days: Monday to Friday
Time: 8:30am - 3:30pm
Location: Haringey

Are you an experienced and dedicated SEND Teaching Assistant with a passion for helping children with additional needs reach their full potential? We are seeking a compassionate, patient, and proactive individual to join a supportive school where every child is valued as an individual.

The successful candidate will have experience supporting pupils with a range of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, including Autism, ADHD, speech and language needs, and social, emotional, and communication difficulties. You will be confident using a variety of SEND strategies and communication tools to help pupils access learning and develop independence.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing 1:1 and small group support for pupils with SEND.
• Using communication strategies such as Makaton, PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System), Now and Next boards, visual timetables, and social stories.
• Supporting pupils during structured interventions, including Bucket Time, sensory regulation activities, phonics, literacy, and numeracy sessions.
• Encouraging positive behaviour through consistent routines, positive reinforcement, and personalised behaviour support plans.
• Working closely with the class teacher, SENCO, therapists, and external professionals to implement individual support plans and EHCP targets.
• Promoting communication, social interaction, emotional regulation, and independence throughout the school day.
• Supporting pupils during transitions, breaktimes, and lunchtime where required.

The ideal candidate will:

• Have previous experience supporting children with SEND in a school or similar setting.
• Be confident using or willing to use Makaton, PECS, Bucket Time, Now and Next boards, and other visual communication strategies.
• Demonstrate a calm, nurturing, and consistent approach to behaviour management.
• Be adaptable, resilient, and able to respond to the changing needs of pupils.
• Have excellent communication and teamwork skills.

This role offers flexibility depending on your experience and preferences, with opportunities to work across EYFS, Key Stage 1, or Key Stage 2 within dedicated SEND provisions or mainstream classrooms.

Both the school and the agency are committed to your professional development, offering market-leading CPD and ongoing support from an experienced SENCO and leadership team.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a welcoming, inclusive school with excellent SEND provision and a committed staff team. If you're passionate about making a real difference to the lives of children with additional needs, we'd love to hear from you.

TimePlan Education are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare and safety of children and young people and expect all staff to show this commitment.

The successful candidate will be required to complete Disclosure and Barring Service declarations in line with Section 115 of the Police Act 1997. You will also be required to provide 2 professional references covering at least the last 2 years.

Empowering Learning Ltd is a committed Equal Opportunities Employer and therefore will not discriminate on the grounds of age, gender, race, ethnicity, disability or sexual orientation