SEN Teaching Assistant

Teaching Personnel is seeking a compassionate, resilient and dedicated SEN Teaching Assistant to support one of our specialist Alternative Provision partner schools in the DY11 area. This setting supports young people who have experienced difficulties in mainstream education and offers a bespoke, nurturing and highly personalised learning environment focused on re‑engagement, emotional wellbeing and positive outcomes. The ethos is grounded in providing care, respect, individual attention and a curriculum designed around pupils' needs, including therapeutic, vocational and outdoor learning pathways.

About the Role

As an SEN Teaching Assistant, you will help pupils with Autism (ASD), Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs (SEMH) and ADHD to access learning, regulate emotions and rebuild confidence. The role involves supporting pupils 1:1, in small groups and within the classroom, while delivering a relational and trauma‑informed approach consistent with high‑quality Alternative Provision practice.

You will contribute to a curriculum that is creative, relevant and built around each learner—often incorporating outdoor learning, therapeutic approaches and personalised academic pathways.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide individualised support to pupils with ASD, SEMH and ADHD.
• Use trauma‑informed, relational approaches to help pupils regulate and engage positively.
• Support delivery of a creative, flexible and bespoke curriculum, including practical and outdoor learning sessions.
  
• Build strong, trusting relationships to promote resilience, self‑esteem and emotional stability.
• Assist with implementing EHCPs, personalised support plans and Individual Pupil Passports.
• Support pupils during transitions, unstructured times and occasional off‑site activities.
• Promote a calm, safe and encouraging learning environment rooted in empathy and individual attention.
• Help close learning gaps through personalised literacy, numeracy and communication support.

About You

We are looking for someone who is:

• Passionate about supporting young people with complex needs.
• Patient, calm and emotionally resilient.
• Able to use relational and restorative approaches consistent with Alternative Provision values.
• A strong communicator who can build trust and positive rapport.
• Flexible, proactive and able to adapt support to pupils' individual needs.
• Willing to learn, develop and embrace a nurturing, holistic approach to education.

Experience in SEN, behaviour mentoring, youth work or mental health support is desirable but not essential.

Requirements

• Experience supporting children or vulnerable young people (school‑based experience desirable).
• Willingness to complete a DBS check (or provide an updated version).
• Two professional references.
• Proof of right to work in the UK.

How to Apply

If you are motivated by the opportunity to make a real difference in a nurturing and highly personalised Alternative Provision setting, please apply via the link or send your CV to: tom.baker@teachingpersonnel.com

Please note: Applications without a CV cannot be considered.

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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