Teaching Assistant

TeacherActive; Harlow; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

TeacherActive in the United Kingdom is seeking SEN Teaching Assistants to join our team in Harlow, Essex. No prior school experience is required, and candidates with transferable experience from care, youth work or mentoring are encouraged to apply.

Patience and resilience are essential traits for this role. The positions involve providing 1:1 and small-group support, helping pupils access learning, and supporting students with autism, ADHD and SEMH.

Qualifications

• No previous school-based experience is required.
• Direct SEN experience is valued but not mandatory.
• Transferable skills from care, youth work or mentoring are welcome.
• Patience and resilience are essential.

Responsibilities

• Providing 1:1 and small-group support to pupils.
• Helping pupils access learning and classroom activities.
• Supporting children with autism, ADHD, SEMH, learning difficulties and communication needs.
• Building positive relationships and supporting emotional regulation.
• Using appropriate de-escalation strategies and promoting independence.
• Working alongside teachers and specialist professionals to create a safe, supportive environment.

Job description

Location: Harlow, Essex
Role: SEN Teaching Assistant / Learning Support Assistant
Experience: SEN or transferable experience desirable no previous school experience required

Talented SEN Teaching Assistants Wanted!

Are you patient, resilient and passionate about supporting young people?

We are looking for talented SEN Teaching Assistants and Learning Support Assistants to work within specialist education settings in Harlow.

We are keen to hear from people with direct SEN experience, but we're equally interested in candidates with transferable skills from other sectors.

No previous school-based experience is required. If you have the right attitude, personality and willingness to learn, this could be your opportunity to start a rewarding career within SEN education.

Your Transferable Experience Matters

You don't need to have worked as a Teaching Assistant before.

We would particularly like to hear from people with experience in:

• SEN or specialist education
• Autism and SEMH support
• Residential children's homes
• Care or supported living
• NHS and mental health services
• Youth work or mentoring
• Nurseries and childcare
• Sports coaching
• Prison or secure services
• Community and outreach work

If you've developed skills in building relationships, managing challenging situations, supporting additional needs, de-escalation or helping people develop independence, your experience could transfer extremely well into an SEN classroom.

What Will You Be Doing?

As an SEN Teaching Assistant, you could be:

• Providing 1:1 and small-group support
• Helping pupils access learning and classroom activities
• Supporting children with autism, ADHD, SEMH, learning difficulties and communication needs
• Building positive and trusting relationships
• Supporting emotional regulation and positive behaviour
• Using appropriate de-escalation strategies
• Encouraging independence and confidence
• Supporting communication and social skills
• Working alongside teachers and specialist professionals
• Creating a safe, positive and supportive environment

What Are We Looking For?

We're looking for people who are:

• Patient and compassionate
• Resilient and calm under pressure
• Confident building relationships with young people
• Positive and encouraging
• Comfortable supporting a range of additional needs
• Reliable and able to work effectively within a team
• Willing to learn and develop
• Passionate about making a difference

No Experience? We Still Want to Hear From You!

Previous experience is desirable, but it isn't essential.

If you're looking to start a career within SEN and believe you have the personality, resilience and commitment required, don't let a lack of school experience stop you from applying.

Full support will be available to help you develop your skills and confidence within specialist education.

Why Apply?

This is a fantastic opportunity to use your existing skills or begin a new career supporting children and young people with additional needs.

Our staff are paid on a PAYE basis, so you can rest assured you're paying the correct level of Tax and National Insurance, with no hidden admin charges or umbrella deductions from your hard-earned pay.

Equal Opportunities Statement

TeacherActive is an equal opportunities employer and operates as an Employment Business and Employment Agency in providing temporary, contract and permanent job seeking services.

Safeguarding and DBS Compliance

Registration may involve an enhanced DBS check, ID checks and the supply of good professional references, depending on the role. We are committed to safeguarding and compliance across all placements.