Teaching Assistant - SEND

Axcis Education Recruitment; Taunton; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 20,000; Full time

Job summary

Axcis Education Recruitment is seeking a caring SEND Teaching Assistant to join a specialist resource base in Taunton. You will support pupils aged ~5–11 with autism and varied speech and language needs in a combined mainstream and specialist setting.

The role involves 1:1 and small-group work, helping pupils access an adapted curriculum, and developing communication and emotional regulation skills. Temporary position; DBS checks and safeguarding compliance required.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting children with autism, SEND or communication needs preferred.
• Previous experience in care, youth work or childcare is welcome.
• Ability to engage calmly with pupils and build trust.

Responsibilities

• Provide personalised support to pupils with autism and SEND.
• Deliver 1:1 and small-group assistance.
• Help pupils access a personalised and adapted curriculum.
• Support communication, social interaction and relationships.
• Foster emotional regulation and positive coping strategies.
• Promote independence and confidence in learners.
• Support pupils during transitions and changes to routines.
• Collaborate with teachers and the SEND team to maintain a calm learning environment.
• Maintain a safe, inclusive classroom and positive learning atmosphere.

Skills

Patient

Caring

Communication skills

Team player

Adaptable

Job description

Location: Taunton. Pay: £92.00 – £109.00 per day. Contract: Full-time | Term Time Only.

We are looking for a caring, patient and enthusiastic SEND Teaching Assistant to join a specialist resource base within an inclusive primary school in Taunton. The provision supports children aged approximately 5–11 with autism and a range of speech, language and communication needs. It sits alongside the mainstream primary school, creating a unique environment where specialist and mainstream education work together to support every child's development.

The Role:

As a SEND Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with teachers and specialist staff to provide personalised support to pupils with a range of additional needs. The role will involve supporting children both academically and emotionally, helping them develop their communication, confidence, independence and ability to engage positively with learning. You may support pupils through a combination of 1:1 work and small-group activities, adapting your approach to meet individual needs and creating a calm, structured and engaging environment.

• Supporting pupils with autism and additional communication needs
• Providing tailored 1:1 and small-group support
• Helping children access a personalised and adapted curriculum
• Supporting communication, social interaction and relationship-building
• Helping pupils develop emotional regulation and positive coping strategies
• Encouraging independence and confidence
• Supporting pupils during transitions and changes to their routine
• Using a patient, consistent and nurturing approach
• Working collaboratively with teachers and the wider SEND team
• Helping to maintain a safe, inclusive and positive learning environment

Who Are We Looking For?

• Patient, caring and emotionally resilient
• Passionate about supporting children with SEND
• Able to build trusting and positive relationships
• Adaptable and comfortable responding to individual needs
• Calm and confident when supporting challenging situations
• A strong team player with excellent communication skills

Previous experience supporting children with autism, SEND or communication needs would be highly beneficial. However, we would also love to hear from candidates with relevant experience in care, youth work, childcare, residential support or other child-focused roles.

Why Apply?

• Work within a dedicated specialist resource base
• Gain valuable experience supporting children with autism and SEND
• Develop specialist skills in communication and emotional regulation
• Be part of an inclusive school community that values and celebrates individual differences
• Work alongside experienced education and SEND professionals
• Make a genuine difference to children's confidence, development and independence
• Excellent experience for aspiring teachers, psychologists, therapists and SEND professionals

This is a temporary position, unless stated otherwise.

Axcis is an equal opportunities employer and as such we do not discriminate based on age, gender, disability, race or any other equal opportunities criteria.

The company is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. As such, you will be required to provide an up to date DBS, or be prepared to allow Axcis to process one on your behalf, in addition to other mandatory compliance checks in line with the DfE guidelines (for details please see our website).

If the position you are applying for involves working with children or vulnerable adults, this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974.

Axcis Education is an employment agency offering temporary supply work for daily, short-term and long-term assignments in addition to permanent positions.

You must be suitably qualified for the position advertised and be prepared to attend a face to face interview with Axcis to demonstrate your suitability for this role.

Salary / Pay Rate will be dependent on your skills and experience.

Contact: Sancha Clark

Telephone: [phone] l Ext: 2016