Specialist SEND Teaching Assistant

Vision for Education Ltd; Hereford; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 19,000; Full time

Job summary

Vision for Education Ltd. is seeking enthusiastic Specialist SEND Teaching Assistants to work in Hereford's specialist schools. You will support pupils with a broad range of needs, helping them access learning and develop independence.

You will collaborate with teachers, therapists and support staff to implement personalised plans, support communication, and foster a nurturing, patient environment tailored to each learner's progress.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children or vulnerable groups.
• Genuine interest in specialist SEND education.
• Caring, patient and proactive approach.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Willingness to support personal care where required.
• Commitment to safeguarding and pupil welfare.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils to access personalised learning.
• Work closely with the class teacher and wider support team.
• Support communication and interaction.
• Encourage independence and life skills.
• Support sensory and practical activities.
• Help pupils regulate emotions and stay engaged.
• Build positive relationships with pupils.
• Collaborate with therapists and other professionals.

Skills

SEND experience

Patience

Team player

Communication

Adaptable

Job description

Hereford
£92.56 - £105 per day (salary depending on experience and/or qualifications)
October 2026 - Ongoing
Full Time | Temporary/Permanent | Long-Term & Supply Opportunities

Job Summary

We are looking for enthusiastic and compassionate Specialist SEND Teaching Assistants to work within specialist schools across Hereford.

This is an excellent opportunity for experienced Teaching Assistants, as well as candidates from care, residential support, healthcare, youth work or support worker backgrounds, who want to build a rewarding career supporting children and young people with additional needs.

You will work alongside experienced teachers and support staff to help pupils access learning, develop independence and achieve their individual potential.

The School and Role

Vision for Education works with a number of specialist schools across Hereford, supporting learners with a broad range of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.

Our partner schools support pupils with needs including:

• Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC)
• Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD)
• Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD)
• Complex Learning Difficulties and Disabilities (CLDD)
• Communication and learning needs
• Sensory needs, including MSI
• Complex medical needs

As a Specialist SEND Teaching Assistant, your role will be varied depending on the school and pupils you support.

You may be responsible for:

• Supporting pupils to access personalised learning
• Working closely with the class teacher and wider support team
• Supporting communication and interaction
• Encouraging independence and life skills
• Supporting sensory and practical learning activities
• Helping pupils regulate emotions and remain engaged
• Providing positive and consistent support
• Supporting personal care where required
• Supporting mobility and physical needs where appropriate
• Building positive and trusting relationships with pupils
• Working alongside therapists and other professionals

The role is particularly suited to people who are patient, proactive and adaptable and who understand that progress in specialist education can look different for every learner.

Who We Are Looking For

The ideal Specialist SEND Teaching Assistant will have:

• Experience working with children, young people or vulnerable adults
• A genuine interest in specialist SEND education
• A caring, patient and proactive approach
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• The ability to work effectively as part of a team
• A willingness to support personal care where required
• The confidence to adapt to different learners and environments
• A commitment to safeguarding and pupil welfare

Experience within a specialist school is desirable but not essential.

We welcome applications from candidates with transferable experience in care, residential support, healthcare, youth work, sports coaching, support work and education.

Why Work in Specialist SEND?

Working in specialist education can be incredibly rewarding. You will have the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with pu