SEN Teaching Assistant

Teaching Assistant - New SEN Provision

Location: Croydon, South London

Daily Rate: £100-£150 per day, depending on experience

Start Date: ASAP

Contract: Long-term / Permanent opportunities available

Hours: Full-time, Monday-Friday

About the School

Our education recruitment agency is working in partnership with a welcoming two-form entry primary school in Croydon that is launching a brand-new SEN provision on site.

As the provision develops, the school is looking to appoint a number of experienced SEN Teaching Assistants to join its team. This is an exciting opportunity for candidates who are passionate about supporting children with additional needs and want to play an important role in establishing a successful and nurturing specialist provision.

The school is looking for individuals who are patient, resilient, nurturing and confident in supporting pupils with a range of additional needs.

Job Description

As an SEN Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with class teachers, the SENCO and the wider pastoral and support team to provide high-quality support for pupils with special educational needs.

You will help pupils access learning, develop their communication and social skills, manage their emotions and become increasingly independent.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with additional needs.
• Support pupils within the new SEN provision and, where appropriate, within mainstream classroom environments.
• Assist pupils with accessing the curriculum and adapting activities to meet individual needs.
• Support children with Autism/ASC, ADHD, SEMH, communication and language difficulties and sensory needs.
• Help pupils develop social, emotional, communication and independence skills.
• Implement individual education/support plans and strategies under the direction of the class teacher and SENCO.
• Support positive behaviour and emotional regulation using appropriate strategies.
• Create a calm, safe, structured and inclusive learning environment.
• Encourage pupils to develop independence and confidence.
• Support pupils during lessons, transitions, break times, lunchtimes and other school activities where required.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, SENCOs, pastoral staff, parents/carers and external professionals.
• Contribute to observations, progress monitoring and record keeping.
• Follow school policies and procedures, particularly those relating to safeguarding, behaviour, health and safety and confidentiality.
• Raise any safeguarding, welfare or wellbeing concerns immediately through the school's appropriate procedures.

Person Specification

Essential

The successful candidate will have:

• Previous experience working as a Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant, SEN TA or similar role.
• Demonstrable experience supporting children or young people with SEN.
• Experience working with children in a primary school or similar educational setting.
• A good understanding of the needs of children with Autism, ADHD, SEMH, communication difficulties or other additional needs.
• The ability to build positive, trusting relationships with children.
• A patient, calm and nurturing approach.
• The ability to remain professional and composed when supporting children who may display challenging behaviour or emotional dysregulation.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• The ability to follow individual support plans and instructions from teaching staff and the SENCO.
• A genuine commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
• The ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary school team.
• Reliability, punctuality and a professional attitude.

Desirable

The following would be advantageous:

• A relevant qualification such as CACHE, Level 2/3 Supporting Teaching and Learning, SEN qualification or equivalent.
• Experience working within a specialist SEN provision, SEND school or resource base.
• Experience supporting children with Autism/ASC.
• Experience using visual timetables, communication systems, sensory strategies or other SEN interventions.
• Training in areas such as Team Teach, MAPA, Positive Handling, PECS, Makaton or similar approaches.
• Previous experience supporting pupils with complex needs or challenging behaviour.

Relevant practical experience will be considered alongside formal qualifications.

Requirements for Working in a London Primary School

As the role involves regular contact with children, successful applicants will need to satisfy the school's safer recruitment and safeguarding requirements.

Applicants should be prepared to provide:

• An appropriate Enhanced DBS check, with the level of check determined by the role and applicable DBS eligibility requirements.
• Proof of right to work in the UK.
• Appropriate identification and documentation required for safer recruitment checks.
• A complete and accurate employment history, including explanations for relevant gaps.
• Suitable references covering previous employment/experience, as required by the recruitment process.
• Evidence of relevant qualifications and training where applicable.
• Any additional checks required because of time spent living or working outside the UK.
• Completion of required safeguarding and school-specific training before or as part of commencing the role.

All staff working in schools are expected to understand and follow the school's safeguarding procedures. Current Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2026 guidance states that all school staff must read and follow the relevant safeguarding information and know how to report concerns through the school's procedures.

What We Offer

• £100-£150 per day, dependent on experience and suitability.
• Full-time, long-term work.
• Potential permanent opportunities for the right candidates.
• The opportunity to join a brand-new SEN provision from its launch.
• Support from a dedicated education recruitment consultant.
• Opportunities to further develop your SEN experience.
• A supportive school environment focused on inclusion, wellbeing and pupil progress.

Why Apply?

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced SEN Teaching Assistant who wants to be part of something new.

You will have the opportunity to help shape the day-to-day environment of a new SEN provision, build strong relationships with pupils and contribute to their academic, social and emotional development.

Safeguarding Statement

Our agency and partner schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments are subject to appropriate safer recruitment checks, including references and the relevant DBS checks. The role is subject to the school's safeguarding and child protection procedures.

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