SEN Teaching Assistant

Are you driven by the desire to support young people in education? We are looking for a committed SEN Teaching Assistant to join a nurturing Alternative Provision that supports secondary-aged pupils who are working at a primary level. This setting provides a highly personalised learning environment for students who have struggled to thrive in mainstream education due to a range of complex needs.

The role is ideal for someone who can bring both structure and warmth to the classroom. You will be working closely with learners who may have significant difficulties with communication, emotional regulation, sensory processing and cognitive development. Many students have EHCPs and require consistent, patient support to access learning and develop life skills.

You will play a vital role in building trust, encouraging engagement and helping pupils progress both academically and socially. Every day brings new challenges but also meaningful opportunities.

Experience in the following backgrounds in highly transferable and welcomed:

• Youth work
• Care work/support work
• Residential childcare
• Community work
• Behaviour mentoring

About the Role:

You will be working within a specialist setting designed for students with:

• Supporting complex learning needs.
• Supporting behavioural and emotional difficulties.
• Supporting physical or development disabilities.
• Providing 1:1 and small-group support.
• Assisting with personal care where required.
• Helping students regulate emotions and engage in learning.
• Supporting teaching staff in delivering tailored, accessible lessons.
• Contributing to a safe, positive and structured environment.

Key Interpersonal Skills for Success:

We are looking for someone who embodies:

• Empathy and Patience: Ability to understand individual needs and remain calm under pressure.
• Resilience: Comfortable working with challenging behaviours and emotionally demanding situations.
• Adaptability: Willing to adjust approaches to meet each learner’s unique needs.
• Teamwork: Works collaboratively with teachers, therapists and support staff.
• Warmth & Encouragement: Helps students build confidence and celebrate small achievements.

Requirements:

• Ability to work full-time during school hours.
• Comfortable supporting personal care needs.
• Genuine commitment to supporting young people with complex needs.
• Enhanced DBS (or willingness to obtain one).