Special Needs Teaching Assistant

Timeplan Education Group; London Borough of Islington; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 21,000; Full time

Job summary

TimePlan Education are seeking an experienced SEND Teaching Assistant to join a welcoming Islington school. The role involves providing 1:1 and small group support for pupils with SEND, and using communication tools such as Makaton and PECS to aid learning and independence.

The ideal candidate will work closely with the SENCO, therapists, and teachers on individual plans and EHCP targets, promoting positive behaviours and effective inclusion throughout the day.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting children with SEND in school or similar setting.
• Willing to use Makaton, PECS, Now and Next boards, visual communication strategies.

Responsibilities

• Providing 1:1 and small group support for pupils with SEND.
• Using communication strategies such as Makaton, PECS, Now and Next boards, visual timetables, and social stories.
• Supporting pupils during structured interventions (e.g., phonics, literacy, numeracy).
• Encouraging positive behaviour through routines and personalised behaviour support plans.
• Working with SENCO, therapists, and external professionals on individual support plans and EHCP targets.
• Promoting communication, social interaction, emotional regulation, and independence throughout the day.
• Supporting pupils during transitions, breaktimes, and lunchtime.

Skills

SEND experience

1:1 support

Makaton/PECS

Job description

SEND Teaching Assistant

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

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