Secondary SEN Teaching Assistant with a Sports Focus

About the Role

We are currently seeking a passionate, energetic and dedicated Sports-Based SEN Teaching Assistant to join a specialist SEND school in East London from September.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone with a background in sports coaching, PE, youth work, mentoring, behaviour support or special educational needs who is passionate about making a positive difference to the lives of children and young people.

You will work closely with pupils with a range of additional needs, including Autism (ASC), ADHD, SEMH and associated learning difficulties, using sport, physical activity and positive relationships as tools to improve engagement, confidence, communication and emotional wellbeing.

The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting students both inside and outside the classroom, helping them access learning, regulate emotions and develop important social and life skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support for pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
• Use sport and physical activity to engage, motivate and support pupils' learning and development
• Deliver structured sports, fitness and enrichment activities tailored to individual needs and abilities
• Support pupils with Autism, ADHD, SEMH and behavioural needs both in lessons and during intervention sessions
• Promote positive behaviour, emotional regulation and social development through mentoring and relationship-building
• Work closely with teachers, therapists and pastoral teams to implement individual support strategies
• Encourage participation, independence, resilience and self-confidence
• Support pupils during breaktimes, transitions, educational visits and extracurricular activities
• Monitor and record pupil progress, engagement and behaviour
• Maintain a safe, inclusive and supportive learning environment at all times

The Ideal Candidate Will Have

• Experience working with children or young people in schools, sports coaching, youth work, mentoring or SEND settings
• A genuine passion for supporting pupils with additional needs
• Strong behaviour management and relationship-building skills
• Experience supporting pupils with Autism, ADHD, SEMH or other additional needs (desirable)
• A positive, resilient and proactive approach
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills
• The ability to inspire, motivate and engage young people through sport and physical activity
• A patient, empathetic and adaptable nature
• A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children

Desirable Qualifications

• Level 2 or Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification
• Sports Coaching, PE or Exercise-related qualification
• Youth Work, Behaviour Mentor or Pastoral Support experience
• Team Teach, MAPA or Positive Behaviour Support training
• First Aid qualification
• Experience within a SEND school, Alternative Provision or SEMH setting

What We Offer

• A rewarding opportunity to make a genuine difference to young people's lives
• A supportive and welcoming school environment
• Ongoing professional development and training opportunities
• The chance to combine your passion for sport with meaningful educational support
• Opportunities for career progression within SEND education

If you are passionate about sport, mentoring and supporting children with additional needs to achieve their full potential, we would love to hear from you.

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