Teaching Assistant - SEN School

Reed; Wakefield; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

Reed in Wakefield is seeking a dedicated SEN Teaching Assistant to support pupils with a range of additional needs in a specialist educational setting from September 2026. You will work closely with teachers and therapists to create a nurturing learning environment where every pupil can thrive.

Key responsibilities include 1:1 and small group support, assisting with personalised learning programmes, and promoting positive behaviour and emotional regulation.

Qualifications

• Previous experience supporting children with Special Educational Needs.
• Patient, resilient and empathetic approach.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Experience with specialist SEND settings (desirable).

Responsibilities

• Providing 1:1 and small group support.
• Supporting pupils with their academic, social and emotional development.
• Assisting with the delivery of personalised learning programmes.
• Promoting positive behaviour and emotional regulation strategies.
• Building strong relationships with pupils, staff and families.
• Supporting students with communication needs and sensory requirements.
• Encouraging independence, confidence and resilience.

Skills

SEN experience

Patience

Communication

Behaviour management

Education

TA or childcare qualifications

Job description

SEN Teaching Assistant

Location: Wakefield

Start Date: September 2026

Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience

Due to continued growth and expansion, we are seeking a dedicated and compassionate SEN Teaching Assistant to join a specialist educational setting in Wakefield from September.

This is an exciting opportunity to become part of a growing team supporting pupils with a range of additional needs, including:

• Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC)
• Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs
• Communication and interaction difficulties
• Moderate to Severe Learning Difficulties
• Complex behavioural needs
• Sensory processing difficulties

As an SEN Teaching Assistant, you will play a vital role in supporting students both in and out of the classroom. Working closely with teachers, therapists and the wider pastoral team, you will help create a safe, nurturing and engaging learning environment where every pupil can achieve their full potential.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing 1:1 and small group support.
• Supporting pupils with their academic, social and emotional development.
• Assisting with the delivery of personalised learning programmes.
• Promoting positive behaviour and emotional regulation strategies.
• Building strong relationships with pupils, staff and families.
• Supporting students with communication needs and sensory requirements.
• Encouraging independence, confidence and resilience.

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for individuals who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people with additional needs.

Essential:

• Previous experience supporting children or young people with Special Educational Needs.
• A patient, resilient and empathetic approach.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to remain calm and professional in challenging situations.
• A genuine passion for supporting vulnerable learners.

Desirable:

• Experience working within a specialist SEND school.
• Knowledge of autism, SEMH, ADHD or communication needs.
• Team Teach, MAPA or other behaviour management training.
• Relevant Teaching Assistant or Childcare qualifications.

If you are an experienced SEN Teaching Assistant who is committed to helping children overcome barriers to learning and thrive in education, we would love to hear from you.