SEN Teaching Assistant

Special Needs Teaching Assistants – Hampshire

Locations: Winchester, Andover, Basingstoke, Farnborough, Hook

We are seeking warm, dependable, and motivated individuals to work as Special Needs Teaching Assistants in specialist schools across Hampshire. You do not need formal qualifications or previous school experience — we welcome applicants from all backgrounds who are interested in supporting children and young people with additional needs.

This is a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful difference in pupils’ lives while gaining valuable experience in a supportive educational setting.

About the Role

As a Special Needs Teaching Assistant, you will play a vital role in supporting pupils both academically and emotionally throughout the school day. You will work closely with class teachers, therapists, and other support staff to help create a safe, structured, and positive learning environment where every child can thrive.

Your responsibilities may include:

Supporting Learning

• Assisting pupils with classroom activities on a one-to-one or small group basis

• Helping to adapt learning materials to meet individual needs

• Encouraging engagement and participation in lessons

• Reinforcing instructions and helping pupils stay focused on tasks

• Supporting pupils with literacy, numeracy, and communication skills

Promoting Positive Behaviour

• Encouraging positive behaviour and emotional regulation

• Using agreed behaviour strategies consistently

• Helping pupils manage transitions between activities

• Supporting pupils during moments of dysregulation with patience and understanding

Personal and Practical Support

• Assisting with daily routines, which may include supporting pupils with personal care (where required)

• Supporting students during break times, lunchtimes, and school trips

• Ensuring pupils feel safe, included, and supported throughout the school day

Working as Part of a Team

• Collaborating with teachers and senior staff to implement individual support plans

• Observing and reporting on pupil progress and wellbeing

• Contributing to a positive and supportive staff team environment

Every day is different, and the role requires flexibility, resilience, and a calm, caring approach.

Choosing the Right Setting for You

We understand that different environments suit different people. When you apply, you will have the opportunity to tell us which type of setting you feel most drawn to and where you believe your strengths lie. We take time to listen to your preferences and carefully match you to a school that aligns with your interests, confidence level, and career goals.

You can choose to work in:

SEN (Special Educational Needs) Schools

Supporting children and young people with:

• Autism (ASC)

• Moderate to severe learning disabilities

• Physical disabilities

• Medical needs

• Speech, language, and communication difficulties

These settings often focus on structured routines, communication support, and tailored learning approaches.

SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health) Schools

Supporting children and young people with:

• Anxiety and emotional regulation needs

• Trauma-related behaviours

• Attachment difficulties

• Behavioural challenges

These environments often require strong relationship-building skills, consistency, and emotional resilience.

You are not expected to have prior experience in either setting — we will help guide you based on your interests and confidence.

Who Can Apply?

We welcome applications from individuals with a caring, patient, and supportive approach. Experience can be helpful but is not essential.

Backgrounds that may transfer well include:

• Childcare

• Care or support work

• Youth work

• Healthcare

• Sports coaching

• Residential care

• Personal experience supporting family members

If you are new to this type of role, full training and ongoing support will be provided. A positive attitude, reliability, and willingness to learn are the most important qualities.

This role may suit:

• Career changers looking for meaningful and stable work

• Individuals returning to employment

• University graduates or students considering careers in teaching, psychology, social work, or therapy

• Those seeking hands-on experience in education

Role Details

• Flexible hours – full-time and part-time options available

• Term-time only

• Pay from £13.75 per hour

• Opportunities for longer-term or permanent placements

• A Child Enhanced DBS on the Update Service (or willingness to obtain one) is required

Apply Now

If you are interested in making a genuine difference in children’s lives, we would love to hear from you.

Send your CV or contact us to find out more. When applying, please let us know which setting (SEN or SEMH) you are most interested in — we will work with you to find the right match.

Whether you are taking your first steps into education or bringing valuable life experience, this could be the start of a highly rewarding career.

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.
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