Sen Teaching Assistant

SEN Teaching Assistant

Location: IG8, Woodford Green, East London
Start Date: ASAP
Contract: Full-Time, Long-Term

We are currently recruiting for a dedicated, patient and compassionate SEN Teaching Assistant to join a specialist educational setting in Woodford Green, supporting children and young people aged 4–19 with profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD), complex learning needs, medical needs and sensory impairments.

This is an excellent opportunity for a committed Teaching Assistant who is passionate about supporting pupils with complex needs, helping them develop communication skills, engage in meaningful learning experiences and achieve greater independence.

The successful candidate will work closely with teachers and specialist professionals to provide personalised support tailored to each pupil’s individual needs, abilities and developmental stage. The role involves creating a safe, nurturing and stimulating learning environment where pupils are encouraged to participate, build confidence and achieve their individual goals.

About the Role

As an SEN Teaching Assistant, you will:

• Provide one-to-one and small-group support to pupils with profound and multiple learning difficulties and complex special educational needs.
• Support the class teacher in delivering personalised, differentiated and multisensory learning activities tailored to individual learning targets and EHCP outcomes.
• Help pupils engage in practical, sensory-based and meaningful learning experiences that support their academic, social, emotional and physical development.
• Support pupils with communication difficulties, using visual resources, objects of reference, communication aids and other appropriate communication strategies.
• Encourage pupils to express their needs, make choices and participate as actively as possible in classroom activities.
• Promote independence through everyday routines, practical activities and the development of essential life skills.
• Support pupils with sensory impairments and complex physical or medical needs, following individual care plans and guidance from relevant professionals.
• Assist with personal care, toileting, feeding and other intimate care requirements where necessary, maintaining pupils’ dignity, privacy and comfort.
• Help pupils manage transitions, develop positive routines and feel secure within the learning environment.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, therapists, nurses and other professionals to provide consistent, individualised support.
• Follow Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), individual learning targets, risk assessments and relevant healthcare and safeguarding procedures.
• Observe and record pupils’ engagement, responses and progress, providing feedback to the class teacher.
• Support the development of social interaction, emotional wellbeing and positive relationships.
• Maintain high standards of safeguarding, health and safety, infection prevention and pupil welfare throughout the school day.

What We're Looking For

Previous experience working with children or young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), ideally in a specialist school or complex-needs setting.

Experience supporting pupils with PMLD, severe learning difficulties, complex medical needs or sensory impairments would be highly advantageous.

A patient, caring and empathetic approach, with a genuine commitment to improving outcomes for pupils with significant additional needs.

An understanding of personalised learning and the importance of adapting activities to pupils’ individual abilities and developmental stages.

Confidence supporting pupils with communication difficulties, sensory needs and varying levels of physical independence.

Willingness to assist with personal care and follow individual healthcare plans and moving-and-handling procedures where required.

The ability to remain calm, attentive and positive when responding to pupils’ changing needs.

Strong communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to work effectively alongside teachers and multidisciplinary professionals.

A proactive attitude and willingness to undertake specialist training relevant to the role.

A relevant Teaching Assistant qualification is desirable, although practical experience and the right attitude are also highly valued.

An enhanced DBS on the Update Service, or willingness to obtain one.

What We Offer

• Competitive rates of pay, dependent on experience and qualifications.
• A full-time, long-term opportunity within a specialist SEND educational setting.
• Ongoing support from a dedicated education consultant.
• The opportunity to work alongside experienced teachers and specialist professionals.
• Opportunities for professional development and training in PMLD, sensory support, communication strategies and complex needs.
• Valuable experience supporting pupils through personalised learning programmes and meaningful developmental activities.
• A rewarding role where you can make a genuine difference to pupils’ communication, independence, wellbeing and quality of life.

If you are a patient and compassionate SEN Teaching Assistant who is passionate about supporting children and young people with complex needs, we would love to hear from you.

Apply today to take the next step in your education career and help pupils develop essential skills, experience meaningful learning and reach their individual potential

This is a summary of a vacancy from the advertiser. Read the full job description and apply →