Specialist SEND Teaching Assistant in Southend-on-Sea)

Academics; Southend-on-Sea; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading educational organization in Southend-on-Sea is seeking a Specialist SEND Teaching Assistant to support young people with Special Educational Needs. You will work closely with students of diverse needs, helping them achieve their personal goals in a supportive school environment. Competitive pay and free training are provided for this rewarding role.

Benefits

Competitive rates of pay

Free safeguarding and SEND-specific training

Ongoing support from a dedicated consultant

Qualifications

• Previous experience working with children with SEND in schools or care settings.
• Ability to adapt to different learning and communication needs.
• A genuine passion for supporting young people with complex needs.

Responsibilities

• Provide tailored support to pupils with additional needs.
• Adapt activities to meet individual EHCP outcomes.
• Use creative strategies to promote positive behaviour.

Skills

Empathy

Communication skills

Patience

Teamwork

Job description

Specialist SEND Teaching Assistant - Southend-on-Sea, Essex

Education and training

Overview

Are you passionate about supporting young people with Special Educational Needs? A welcoming and supportive SEND school in Southend-on-Sea is seeking enthusiastic and caring SEN Teaching Assistants to join their dedicated team from September 2025.

This role will involve working with pupils with a range of complex needs, including ASD, SLD, PMLD, SEMH, and associated learning difficulties. You will provide both 1:1 and small group support, helping students to access learning, develop independence, and achieve their personal goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide tailored support to pupils with additional needs (e.g. Autism, PMLD, Speech & Language, SEMH).
• Adapt activities and resources to meet individual EHCP outcomes.
• Use creative, sensory-based and communication strategies (PECS, Makaton, visual aids, etc.).
• Promote positive behaviour and encourage emotional regulation through patience and consistency.
• Work closely with teachers, therapists, and the SENCO to implement personalised learning strategies.
• Support children both in and out of the classroom, including during therapies, outdoor learning, and community activities.

What We're Looking For

• Previous experience working with children or young people with SEND (in schools, childcare, or care settings).
• A patient, empathetic, and resilient approach.
• Ability to adapt to different learning and communication needs.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• A genuine passion for supporting young people with complex needs.

What's in it for You?

• A truly rewarding role where you'll see the impact of your support every day.
• A supportive and collaborative school environment.
• Competitive rates of pay, paid fortnightly.
• Free safeguarding and SEND-specific training through Academics.
• Ongoing support from a dedicated consultant.

Why Join Academics?

At Academics, we do more than just place staff - we nurture careers in education. With over 20 years' experience, we're proud to offer:

• Flexibility & choice - short-term, long-term, and permanent opportunities.
• Competitive pay with no hidden deductions.
• Professional development & CPD tailored to SEND.
• Strong local partnerships - we're trusted by schools across Essex.
• A personal approach - you'll never be just a number to us.

How to Apply

If you're ready to make a real difference and support pupils with SEND in Southend-on-Sea, apply today!