SEN Teaching Assistant

Middleton | Specialist Secondary School

Agency: Teaching Personnel
Start Date: September 2026

Be the Difference When It Matters Most

Some young people need more than support. They need consistency, understanding, resilience, and someone who believes in their potential when others may have given up.

Teaching Personnel is seeking a dedicated and proactive SEN Teaching Assistant to join a specialist secondary school in Middleton this September.

This is a rewarding and hands-on role where no two days are the same. You'll be working closely with pupils who have complex educational needs, helping them navigate challenges, build confidence, and access opportunities that can positively shape their future.

If you're calm under pressure, naturally compassionate, and thrive in an environment where every small achievement is worth celebrating, we'd love to hear from you.

About the School

This highly regarded specialist provision supports secondary-aged pupils with a wide range of additional needs, including:

✅ Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC)

✅ Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD)

✅ Complex Learning Difficulties and Disabilities (CLDD)

✅ Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs

✅ Communication and interaction difficulties

✅ Sensory processing differences

The school creates a structured, nurturing, and inclusive environment where pupils receive personalised support to help them succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.

The Role

As an SEN Teaching Assistant, you'll become a key part of a multidisciplinary team, providing tailored support to pupils whose needs are often complex and highly individual.

You'll help students engage in learning, develop life skills, regulate emotions, and build positive relationships, all while maintaining a safe, supportive, and encouraging environment.

This role requires confidence, adaptability, and the ability to think on your feet. Pupils rely on trusted adults who can provide consistency, reassurance, and guidance throughout the school day.

What You'll Be Doing

Supporting Learning & Development

• Delivering 1:1 and small-group support
• Supporting pupils to access learning and achieve EHCP outcomes
• Adapting activities and resources to meet individual needs
• Encouraging independence, communication, and confidence

Behaviour & Emotional Support

• Building positive and trusting relationships with pupils
• Identifying triggers and implementing proactive support strategies
• Using positive behaviour approaches to manage and de-escalate challenges
• Supporting students during periods of emotional dysregulation
• Helping create a safe and structured learning environment

Personal Care & Wellbeing

• Providing personal care support where required
• Assisting with toileting, feeding, hygiene, and mobility needs
• Promoting dignity, respect, and independence at all times
• Prioritising pupil wellbeing, safeguarding, and inclusion

Team Collaboration

• Working closely with teachers, therapists, and support staff
• Contributing to pupil progress monitoring and behaviour records
• Supporting consistent approaches across the school setting

Who We're Looking For

We're seeking someone who genuinely wants to make a difference and understands that every pupil's journey is unique.

Essential Skills & Experience

✔ Experience supporting children or young people with additional needs

✔ Confidence managing challenging behaviours in a calm and professional manner

✔ Experience supporting personal care needs, or willingness to undertake training

✔ Ability to work independently and use initiative

✔ Strong communication and relationship-building skills

✔ Resilience, patience, and emotional intelligence

✔ Ability to remain calm in fast-paced or challenging situations

✔ Genuine passion for supporting young people with complex needs

⭐ Desirable Experience

• Supporting pupils with ASC, PMLD, CLDD, or SEMH needs
• Team Teach or behaviour management training
• PECS, Makaton, AAC, or visual communication systems
• Specialist schools, alternative provisions, care settings, or support services

What Makes a Great Candidate?

We are looking for someone who understands that behaviour is often a form of communication.

Someone who sees beyond challenges and focuses on potential.

Someone who can provide personal care with dignity, manage difficult situations professionally, and be a consistent positive influence in a young person's life.

Above all, we're looking for someone who wants to be part of meaningful change every single day.

Why Join Teaching Personnel?

✅ Competitive weekly pay

✅ Full-time, long-term placement

✅ Specialist SEND and behaviour management training

✅ Ongoing support from a dedicated consultant

✅ Opportunities for permanent employment

✅ Supportive multidisciplinary working environment

✅ The chance to make a lasting impact on young people's lives

Apply Today

If you have experience supporting individuals with additional needs, are confident managing challenging behaviour, and are comfortable providing personal care support, we would love to hear from you.

Apply today through Teaching Personnel and help empower young people with complex needs to achieve their full potential.

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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