SEN 1:1 Teaching Assistant – Full-Time, Long-Term

Location: Skelmersdale
Start Date: ASAP
Contract: Full-time, long-term
Hours: Monday–Friday, term time only

Are you a compassionate, resilient and relationship‑driven Teaching Assistant looking for a rewarding long‑term role?
Do you have the specialist skills needed to support children with complex backgrounds, diagnosed SEN, SEMH needs or PDA profiles?

We are seeking a highly skilled 1:1 SEN Teaching Assistant to join a supportive and nurturing primary school in Skelmersdale. This vital role focuses on supporting children who may present with:

• Social, Emotional & Mental Health (SEMH) needs
• Special Educational Needs (SEN)
• Complex trauma or challenging home circumstances
• Possible Looked After Child (LAC) status
• Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) characteristics
• Communication and interaction needs, including non‑verbal profiles

About the Role

As a 1:1 SEN Teaching Assistant, you will:

• Provide tailored, relationship‑based support for a child with complex needs
• Implement trauma‑informed and attachment‑aware strategies
• Support children with communication difficulties, including non‑verbal pupils
• Use SEN‑specific approaches to manage emotional regulation and sensory needs
• Engage PDA learners through low‑demand, child‑led and interest‑based methods
• Work closely with the SENCO, class teacher, pastoral team and external professionals
• Build trust, consistency and stability to support emotional and academic progress

Highly Desirable Qualifications & Training

We are especially keen to hear from candidates with:

ELSA – Emotional Literacy Support

Experience supporting anxiety, self‑esteem and emotional regulation.

SALT / Speech & Language Support

Such as:

• PECS, visuals, Makaton
• AAC tools and communication systems
• Speech and language development strategies
• Social stories and sensory communication

Non-Verbal / Communication-Based Support

Experience working with children who are non-verbal or selectively mute.

Additional SEN/SEMH Training

Including:

• Team Teach / de‑escalation
• Trauma‑informed practice
• Attachment & ACEs awareness
• Autism and PDA strategies

Ideal Candidates Will Have:

• Strong experience supporting children with SEN, SEMH, trauma or behavioural needs
• A calm, patient and nurturing approach
• Confidence managing emotional regulation and de‑escalation
• Ability to build strong, trusting relationships
• Flexibility and creativity when engaging hard‑to‑reach pupils
• Understanding of child‑led, low‑demand and PDA‑friendly approaches
• A genuine passion for helping vulnerable children thrive

What We Offer

• A long‑term, stable placement in a supportive Skelmersdale primary school
• Guidance from an experienced SENCO and pastoral team
• Competitive weekly pay
• Access to CPD such as:
  • ELSA
  • SEMH and trauma training
  • SALT workshops
  • Team Teach
• A dedicated consultant (Josh!) supporting you throughout

How to Apply

If you are nurturing, committed and ready to make a real difference, we’d love to hear from you.

Please apply with a full and up-to-date CV.
Applications without a CV cannot be considered.

For enquiries, contact:
joshua.watson@teachingpersonnel.com