SEN Teaching Assistant

Middleton | Teaching Personnel

Could You Be the Difference That Changes a Young Person's Future?

Some young people need more than classroom support. They need patience, consistency, encouragement, and someone who believes in their potential, even on their most challenging days.

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

This is a rewarding opportunity for someone who thrives in a specialist setting and can confidently support pupils with a range of complex needs. No two days are the same, and every day presents an opportunity to help a young person develop life skills, build confidence, and overcome barriers to learning.

If you're calm under pressure, proactive in your approach, and passionate about helping vulnerable young people succeed, we'd love to hear from you.

About the School

This well-established specialist secondary school provides tailored support for pupils with a 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 difficulties

The school offers a structured, nurturing, and highly supportive learning environment where each pupil receives individualised support designed around their unique needs and goals.

The Role

As an SEN Teaching Assistant, you will play a vital role in supporting pupils both academically and personally.

You will help young people access learning, regulate their emotions, develop independence, and navigate challenges that can sometimes feel overwhelming. Many pupils require support that is highly personalised, meaning you'll need to think on your feet, adapt to changing situations, and build strong, trusting relationships.

You will also work closely with teachers, therapists, and other support professionals to ensure every pupil receives consistent and effective support throughout the school day.

This role requires someone who can confidently use their own initiative, remain composed during challenging situations, and provide a positive and reassuring presence for pupils who depend on routine, structure, and trusted adults.

Key Responsibilities

Your responsibilities will include:

✅ Delivering high-quality 1:1 and small-group support

✅ Supporting pupils with complex SEND to access learning and work towards EHCP outcomes

✅ Building positive relationships with pupils who may find engaging with education challenging

✅ Using positive behaviour support strategies to manage and de-escalate challenging behaviours

✅ Identifying triggers and implementing preventative strategies to support emotional regulation

✅ Providing support during periods of dysregulation while maintaining a safe and supportive environment

✅ Supporting personal care needs where required, including:

• Toileting
• Hygiene support
• Feeding assistance
• Mobility support

✅ Encouraging independence, confidence, communication, and social development

✅ Adapting activities and learning resources to meet individual pupil needs

✅ Collaborating with teaching staff, therapists, and support professionals

✅ Maintaining accurate records and contributing to progress and behaviour reporting

✅ Promoting safeguarding, inclusion, wellbeing, and positive outcomes at all times

About You

We're looking for someone who understands that every behaviour tells a story and every small achievement deserves to be celebrated.

Essential Requirements

✅ Child and Adult DBS

✅ Experience supporting children or young people with additional needs

✅ Confidence managing challenging behaviours in a calm, professional, and safe manner

✅ Experience providing personal care support, or willingness to undertake training

✅ Ability to work independently and use initiative

✅ Strong communication and relationship-building skills

✅ Patient, resilient, and emotionally intelligent approach

✅ Ability to remain calm in high-pressure situations

✅ Genuine passion for supporting young people with complex needs

Desirable Experience

⭐ Experience supporting pupils with ASC, PMLD, CLDD, or SEMH needs

⭐ Team Teach or similar behaviour management training

⭐ Knowledge of PECS, Makaton, AAC, or other visual communication systems

⭐ Previous experience within specialist schools, alternative provisions, care settings, or support services

Who Will Succeed in This Role?

This position would suit someone who:

• Understands that behaviour is communication
• Approaches challenges with patience and professionalism
• Can provide personal care with dignity, respect, and compassion
• Builds trust through consistency and positive relationships
• Wants to make a genuine difference to the lives of young people with additional needs

Most importantly, you'll be someone who shows up every day ready to support, encourage, and empower pupils to achieve more than they ever thought possible.

Why Join Teaching Personnel?

What's on offer:

✅ Competitive weekly pay

✅ Full-time, long-term role

✅ Access to ongoing specialist SEND and behaviour management training

✅ Support from a dedicated recruitment consultant

✅ Opportunities to secure permanent employment

✅ Collaborative and supportive multidisciplinary team environment

✅ The chance to make a lasting impact on the lives of vulnerable young people

Apply Today

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

Apply today through Teaching Personnel and help transform outcomes for young people with complex needs, one day at a time.

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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