Sen Teaching Assistant

Job Title: SEN Teaching Assistant

Location: Luton / Central Bedfordshire
Start Date: September
Contract: Full-time

• Are you a patient and caring SEN Teaching Assistant who is passionate about supporting children with autism and additional learning needs?
• Do you have experience supporting pupils with ASC, communication difficulties, sensory processing needs or moderate to severe learning difficulties?
• Are you looking for a rewarding role within a small specialist setting where you can make a genuine difference to pupils’ communication, confidence and independence?

TeacherActive is currently seeking a dedicated and compassionate SEN Teaching Assistant to join a small specialist provision in the Luton/Central Bedfordshire area, starting in September.

This specialist setting supports children aged 4–11 with autism and a range of additional and complex needs. Pupils may also present with sensory processing differences, speech, language and communication needs, Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), moderate or severe learning difficulties and specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia, dyspraxia and dyscalculia.

As an SEN Teaching Assistant, you will provide individual and small-group support, helping pupils access a personalised curriculum and engage positively with their learning. You will adapt your communication and approach according to each child's individual needs, recognising that every pupil may learn, communicate and regulate differently.

You will support pupils with their communication, social interaction, emotional and sensory regulation, transitions and development of independence. A calm, patient and flexible approach will be essential, particularly when supporting children who may find communication, changes in routine or the demands of the school environment challenging.

Working closely with teachers, the SENCo, support staff and therapy professionals, you will help provide consistent and individualised support based around pupils' needs and EHCP outcomes. You will encourage pupils to explore their interests, develop positive relationships and become increasingly confident and independent.

The successful SEN Teaching Assistant will have:

• Previous experience working with children or young people, ideally within an SEN or specialist setting
• Experience supporting children with autism/ASC is highly desirable
• An understanding of sensory processing and communication needs
• Experience supporting moderate or severe learning difficulties would be advantageous
• A patient, nurturing and compassionate approach
• Strong communication skills with the ability to adapt to individual pupils
• Confidence supporting pupils with emotional and sensory regulation
• The ability to remain calm and consistent when pupils become distressed or dysregulated
• A flexible approach to supporting a wide range of individual needs
• An understanding of EHCPs and personalised learning
• A strong understanding of safeguarding and pupil wellbeing
• The ability to build trusting and positive relationships with pupils and colleagues

Key Responsibilities:

• Support pupils aged 4–11 with autism and additional learning needs
• Provide 1:1 and small-group support within the classroom and wider school environment
• Support pupils with communication, social interaction and engagement
• Adapt learning activities and communication to individual needs
• Support children with sensory processing and emotional regulation
• Help pupils manage transitions and changes to routines
• Use positive and consistent approaches to behaviour and engagement
• Encourage pupils to develop confidence, communication and independence
• Support individual targets and EHCP outcomes
• Work collaboratively with teachers, the SENCo, therapists and other professionals
• Maintain a calm, safe and supportive learning environment
• Follow safeguarding procedures and prioritise the wellbeing of every pupil
• Recognise and celebrate individual progress and achievement

In return for the above, you can expect to receive:

• A dedicated team of consultants to guide and support you throughout your assignments
• Access to CPD courses and certificates through the My-Progression channel
• Competitive rates of pay
• Support throughout the registration and placement process
• TeacherActive Referral Scheme – Receive up to £100 when you refer a friend. Terms and Conditions apply

Our staff are paid on a PAYE basis, giving you peace of mind that the correct level of Tax and National Insurance is being paid, with no unexpected administration charges deducted from your hard-earned pay.

Ready to take the next step in your career as an SEN Teaching Assistant? Click APPLY NOW to discuss this exciting September opportunity in the Luton/Central Bedfordshire area.

Email: [email protected]
Contact Number: 0207 858 6655

About TeacherActive

TeacherActive is one of the UK’s leading education recruitment agencies, with over 20 years of experience supporting schools and education professionals. We place teachers and support staff into a wide range of temporary, contract and permanent roles, helping candidates find rewarding opportunities that suit their experience, availability and career goals. We pride ourselves on providing an excellent service to both our schools and candidates.

TeacherActive is an equal opportunities employer and operates as an Employment Business and Employment Agency in providing temporary, contract and permanent job seeking services.

Registration may involve an enhanced DBS check, ID checks and the supply of good professional references, depending on the role. We are committed to safeguarding and compliance across all placements.

Regular external audits have shown repeatedly that our standards are exceptional. We are passionate about finding the right staff for each education environment.