SEN Teaching Assistant

Job Title: Teaching Assistant (Permanent, Term-Time)
Recruitment Agency: Teaching Personnel
Location: Oxfordshire (commutable)
Start Date: As soon as possible
Contract Type: Permanent, Term-Time Only

About the Role

Teaching Personnel are delighted to be working with a specialist SEN school in Wheatley, Oxfordshire that provides outstanding education for children and young people with a range of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), including autism, complex learning needs, and social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) difficulties.

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Teaching Assistant to join their team on a permanent, term-time basis. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference in pupils’ lives, supporting their development academically, socially, and emotionally within a nurturing and inclusive environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Support teachers in delivering tailored learning programmes to meet each pupil’s individual needs.
• Work closely with pupils on a 1:1 or small-group basis, encouraging engagement and independence.
• Help pupils regulate emotions and behaviour through positive support strategies and consistent boundaries.
• Assist with personal care, communication aids, and sensory regulation activities where required.
• Maintain a safe, supportive, and structured classroom environment that promotes inclusion and wellbeing.
• Contribute to pupil progress records and collaborate with the wider staff team, therapists, and families.

Person Specification

Essential:

• Experience supporting pupils with SEN and/or SEMH needs, ideally in a specialist or mainstream setting.
• A calm, empathetic, and resilient nature with a genuine passion for helping young people thrive.
• Good literacy and numeracy skills (GCSE English and Maths or equivalent).
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively within a team.

Desirable:

• Level 2 or Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification (or equivalent).
• Experience using alternative communication methods such as PECS or Makaton.
• Understanding of sensory processing or trauma-informed practice.
• A valid driving license is beneficial.

What We Offer

• A permanent, term-time role providing stability and opportunity for professional growth.
• Supportive school leadership and access to Teaching Personnel’s CPD training.
• The chance to work in a caring and inclusive environment where every child is valued.
• Competitive pay and ongoing support from your dedicated Teaching Personnel consultant.

Application Process

If you’re passionate about supporting young people with additional needs and ready to start a rewarding career in SEN education, please submit your CV via the Teaching Personnel website.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview and will need to complete reference and safeguarding checks, including an enhanced DBS.

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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