Special Needs Teaching Assistant

Timeplan Education Group; London Borough of Hackney; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

TimePlan Education Group is recruiting a SEND Teaching Assistant in Hackney, London. Start ASAP, Monday to Friday, 8:30am–3:30pm, to support pupils with Autism, ADHD and speech and language needs.

You will work with the class teacher, SENCO and therapists to implement individual support plans, using Makaton, PECS and visual tools to promote learning, independence and positive behaviour throughout the school day.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting pupils with SEND in a school or similar setting.
• Ability to use or adopt visual communication tools to aid learning.
• Commitment to safeguarding and supporting inclusion for all pupils.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small group support for pupils with SEND.
• Use Makaton, PECS, Now and Next boards, visual timetables and social stories.
• Support structured interventions including bucket time, sensory regulation, phonics, literacy and numeracy.
• Promote positive behaviour through routines and personalised plans.
• Collaborate with teachers, SENCO and external professionals on support plans.
• Foster communication, social interaction and independence throughout the day.
• Assist during transitions and break times as needed.

Skills

SEND experience

Makaton

PECS

Now and Next boards

Visual timetables

Social stories

Communication

Teamwork

Job description

SEND Teaching Assistant

Start: ASAP

Days: Monday to Friday

Time: 8:30am - 3:30pm

Location: Hackney

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, and complete our online application followed by a video or face to face interview. 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.

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