SEND Teaching Assistant
Location: Bournemouth, Dorset
Start Date: Immediate / Flexible
SEND Teaching Assistant – Specialist Further Education
Are you a committed and compassionate Teaching Assistant with a passion for supporting young people with additional needs?
If so, this is an exciting opportunity to join a Specialist Further Education College and make a meaningful impact on students’ lives.
The Role
As a SEND Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with classroom teachers and specialist staff to provide high‑quality support to learners aged 16–25 years. Students you support will have a range of complex SEND and mental health needs, with primary diagnoses including:
- High‑functioning Autism
- Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) difficulties
- Complex needs
- Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs)
You will play a key role in promoting independence, engagement and emotional wellbeing, helping students progress academically, socially and personally.
Campus & Learning Environment
The college offers a purpose‑built and highly supportive environment, including:
Campus Features:
- Modern classrooms and dedicated therapy spaces
- Independent living facilities to support the development of essential life skills
- Outdoor areas designed for recreation and sensory activities
Curriculum:
- Individualised learning programmes tailored to each student
- Focus on functional skills, vocational learning and independence
- Strong emphasis on communication, social development and preparation for adulthood
Therapeutic Support:
- Integrated speech and language therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Behavioural and emotional support embedded into daily routines
Who We Are Looking For
The ideal candidate will have:
- SEN or Autism‑based experience, within or outside an educational setting
- Mental health or SEMH experience, in or out of education
- A good understanding of challenging behaviour
- Knowledge of positive behaviour support strategies
- The ability to de‑escalate challenging situations calmly and safely
A patient, proactive and supportive approach is essential to succeed in this role.
Working Hours & Benefits
- Full‑time position
- Monday to Friday
- Term‑time only
- Holiday pay included
- Access to 10+ FREE CPD SEN training courses, with many additional courses available at a generous discount
Shape Brighter Futures
This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a supportive and specialist team, gain access to high‑quality training, and help young people develop the skills and confidence they need for adulthood.
If you’re ready to make a real difference, get in touch today.
All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.
All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.
Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.
We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.
For details of our privacy policy, please visit the Teaching Personnel website.
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