SEN Learning Support Assistant
Job description
Teaching Assistant
Make a Difference Every Day
Are you caring, patient and passionate about helping young people thrive?
We are looking for enthusiastic and compassionate Teaching Assistants to join our dedicated team and play an important role in supporting children and young people to learn, grow and achieve their potential.
This is an opportunity to join a specialist educational setting where relationships matter, every pupil is known as an individual, and the right support can make a lasting difference.
You do not need to have worked in a specialist school before. If you have the right attitude, a genuine commitment to young people and a willingness to learn, we would love to hear from you.
About the Role
As a Teaching Assistant, you will be an important part of our multidisciplinary team, working closely with teachers, therapists and pastoral staff throughout the school day.
You will help pupils access their learning, build confidence and independence, develop positive relationships and experience success in school. You will be supported by experienced colleagues and given opportunities to develop your own skills and knowledge through training and professional development.
No two days are the same. The role is varied, hands-on and highly rewarding, with the opportunity to see the difference your support makes every day.
Our Pupils
You will support children and young people aged 10 to 17 years with a range of special educational needs, including:
-
Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC)
-
Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN)
-
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Many of our pupils have experienced challenges in previous educational settings. They benefit from a calm, structured and nurturing environment where strong relationships, emotional wellbeing and a sense of belonging are at the heart of learning.
Our approach is relationship-centred and focused on helping every young person recognise their strengths, develop resilience and become increasingly confident and independent.
A Supportive Learning Environment
Our classes are deliberately small, typically with 4 to 8 pupils, allowing us to provide highly personalised support and really get to know each young person.
As a Teaching Assistant, you will work alongside experienced teachers to create a positive and engaging learning environment. You will have the opportunity to work with individual pupils and small groups, adapting your approach to meet different needs and celebrating progress along the way.
What You Will Do
Your responsibilities will include:
-
Helping pupils settle positively into the school day and creating a calm, welcoming learning environment.
-
Supporting teachers to deliver engaging and differentiated lessons across a broad and balanced curriculum.
-
Providing one-to-one and small-group support based on individual pupil needs.
-
Encouraging pupils to develop their communication, confidence, independence and social skills.
-
Supporting pupils with emotional regulation and behaviour using agreed strategies and positive approaches.
-
Supervising pupils during break and lunchtime and encouraging positive social interaction.
-
Working closely with teachers, therapists and pastoral colleagues to provide consistent and effective support.
-
Observing pupils and contributing to discussions and records around their progress and development.
-
Helping to maintain a safe, inclusive and supportive environment throughout the school day.
Most importantly, you will build positive relationships with pupils and help them feel understood, supported and able to succeed.
What We Are Looking For
You may already have experience working with children or young people, or you may be looking for an opportunity to develop your career in education.
We are looking for someone who is:
-
Caring, patient and resilient.
-
Warm, approachable and able to build positive relationships.
-
A confident communicator and good listener.
-
Able to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
-
Flexible and able to respond calmly to changing circumstances.
-
Committed to helping children and young people with additional needs reach their potential.
-
Professional and reliable, with a positive attitude.
-
Open to learning and keen to develop their skills.
Previous experience in education, care, youth work, residential settings or health services would be an advantage, but it is not essential.
We welcome applications from people with transferable skills and life experience who can demonstrate a genuine commitment to supporting young people.
What We Offer
Joining our team means becoming part of a supportive and experienced community where your development matters.
We offer:
-
A comprehensive induction programme to help you settle into your role.
-
Ongoing specialist training and professional development.
-
Opportunities to develop your career within specialist education.
-
A supportive, collaborative and experienced staff team.
-
The opportunity to work closely with teachers, therapists and other professionals.
-
A varied and rewarding role where you can see the impact of your work.
-
The chance to make a genuine, positive difference to the lives of children and young people.
Why Join Us?
Working as a Teaching Assistant in a specialist setting can be incredibly rewarding. You will have the opportunity to celebrate the small steps as well as the big milestones — from a pupil becoming more confident in the classroom to developing greater independence or discovering a new strength.
You will be part of a team that believes every young person has potential and that the right relationships and support can help them achieve it.
If you are looking for a role where what you do really matters, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Additional Information
Due to the school's rural location and limited public transport, access to your own transport is essential to ensure reliable travel to and from the workplace.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and successful completion of safer recruitment checks.
How to Apply
If you are passionate about supporting children and young people and would like to be part of a caring, collaborative and specialist educational environment, we encourage you to apply.
Please submit your current CV. If you are shortlisted, a member of our recruitment team will contact you to discuss the next stage of the selection process.
We would love to hear from you.
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.
Similar jobs
Salary
£14.25 - 14.25 per hour
Location free text
Shawford
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Special Needs
Location
Hampshire
Description
Vacancy: Learning Support Assistant – Full Time (Term Time Only) Location: Shawford Salary: £14.25 per hour Hours: Full time, term time onlyAn exciting opportunity has arisen for a Learning Support A
Reference
shawfSENDlsas
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Hampshire SENAuthor
Hampshire SENSalary
£14.25 - 14.25 per hour
Location free text
Winchester
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
SEND Support
Location
Hampshire
Description
Vacancy: Learning Support Assistant – Full Time (Term Time Only) Location: Winchester Salary: £14.25 per hour Hours: Full time, term time onlyAn exciting opportunity has arisen for a dedicated and co
Reference
winchLSAsSENDsept
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Hampshire SENAuthor
Hampshire SENSalary
Market related
Location free text
Portsmouth
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Primary SEN Support
Location
Portsmouth
Description
1:1 SEN Teaching Assistant – Year 1 | Portsmouth Are you a caring, patient and experienced Teaching Assistant with a passion for supporting children with additional needs?We are looking for
Reference
2233
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Hampshire PrimaryAuthor
Hampshire PrimarySalary
£14.38 - 14.38 per hour
Location free text
Eastleigh
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
SEND Support
Location
Eastleigh
Description
Academic Skills Coach (Learning Support Assistant) Location: Eastleigh Start Date: September 2026 Duration: September – October (with the potential to be extended) Pay: £14.38 per hourTeaching Personn
Reference
130826bart
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Hampshire SENAuthor
Hampshire SENSalary
£14.25 - 14.25 per hour
Location free text
Farnborough
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
SEN General
Location
Hampshire
Description
Learning Support Assistant – Primary SEN Schools Location: Farnborough and surrounding areas Pay: £14.25 per hour Contract: Full-time and Part-time opportunities availableAbout the Role Teaching Perso
Reference
13826FARNLSAP
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Hampshire SENAuthor
Hampshire SENSalary
£14.25 - 14.25 per hour
Location free text
Farnborough
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
SEN General
Location
Hampshire
Description
Learning Support Assistant – Secondary SEN Schools Location: Farnborough and surrounding areas Pay: £14.25 per hour Contract: Full-time and Part-time opportunities availableAbout the Role Teaching Per
Reference
13826FARNLSAS
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Hampshire SENAuthor
Hampshire SENSalary
£14.25 - 14.25 per hour
Location free text
Andover
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
SEN General
Location
Andover
Description
Learning Support Assistant – Secondary SEN Schools Location: Andover and nearby areas Pay Rate: £14.25 per hour Hours: Flexible full-time and part-time positions availableTeaching Personnel is current
Reference
12826ANDLSAP
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Hampshire SENAuthor
Hampshire SENSalary
£14.25 - 14.25 per hour
Location free text
Portsmouth
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
SEND Support
Location
Portsmouth
Description
SEN Teaching Assistant – Portsmouth Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire Position: SEN Teaching Assistant Contract: Full-time / Part-time opportunities Start Date: Immediate / September start availableAre
Reference
2009TA
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Hampshire SENAuthor
Hampshire SENSalary
£32,916 - 51,048 per year
Location free text
Portsmouth
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
SEN General
Location
Portsmouth
Description
SEN Teacher – Secondary Schools Location: Portsmouth and surrounding areas Salary: £32,916 – £51,048 per annum (dependent on experience, in line with MPS/UPS) Contract: Full-time and Part-time opportu
Reference
11826PORTSTS
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Hampshire SENAuthor
Hampshire SENSalary
£14.25 - 14.25 per hour
Location free text
Portsmouth
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
SEN General
Location
Portsmouth
Description
Learning Support Assistant – Primary SEN Schools Location: Portsmouth and surrounding areas Pay: £14.25 per hour Contract: Full-time and Part-time opportunities availableAbout the Role Teaching Person
Reference
11826PORTSLSAP
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Hampshire SENAuthor
Hampshire SENRelated posts
Teaser
Tips & AdviceContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD07YY
Summary
Today’s classroom is a busy, complex, and emotionally charged environment. Educators need to teach, support, manage behaviour, and connect with learners who may be carrying far more than their sch
Teaser
Tips & AdviceContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD07YY
Summary
In December 2024, the government announced new specialist places in mainstream schools to better support pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Yet, staff shortages limit s
Teaser
Tips & AdviceContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD06YY
Summary
Recent statistics highlight gaps in SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) training and support for educators. The government wants more SEND pupils in mainstream schools. At the same t
Teaser
Tips & AdviceContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD07YY
Summary
Being a Teaching Assistant (TA) is a rewarding and challenging role that requires a diverse skill set. One of the responsibilities of a TA is supporting the teacher in managing classroom behaviour eff
Teaser
Tips & AdviceContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD01YY
Summary
Teaching is one of the most rewarding and fulfilling vocations, but the huge responsibilities it entails can take their toll on teachers’ mental wellbeing. Teacher wellbeing can often be over
by
Alex Schulte
Teaser
Tips & AdviceContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD09YY
Summary
So you’ve secured a place on a PGCE course, sorted your professional skills tests and feel ready to delve into the world of teaching. Firstly, congratulate yourself for your achievement; you’re no
by
Alex Schulte
Teaser
Tips & AdviceContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD09YY
Summary
Before you start your dream teaching role, your school will require you to go through a range of security checks to ensure that they are hiring an eligible candidate. Whether you’re a per
by
Alex Schulte
Teaser
Education NewsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD05YY
Summary
As headteachers everywhere will be aware, the government have pledged £200m in funding to secondary schools looking to fund summer tuition. Evidence suggests that pupils who attend a summer school mak
by
Alex Schulte
Teaser
Tips & AdviceContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD05YY
Summary
Teaching is one of the most enduringly popular career choices for university leavers, with an astonishing 13.5% of recent graduates securing jobs in this sector in 2016/17. And no wonder – becoming a
by
Alex Schulte
Teaser
Tips & AdviceContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD03YY
Summary
‘Special Education Needs’ (SEN) is a term applied to a child or young person who presents learning difficulties. Depending on the student, the difficulty could be physical, developmental, behavioural/
by
Alex Schulte
Register with us
for a choice of classroom roles
Register today
Recent jobs