SEN Teaching Assistant

Job Title: Teaching Assistant – Security / Ex-Forces Background Welcome
Location: Various SEN Schools (SEMH, Alternative Provision & PRU Settings)
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
Start Date: Immediate / Ongoing Recruitment

Are You Ready for a New Mission?

We are actively recruiting individuals from security, armed forces, prison service, police, and other disciplined services backgrounds who are looking to transition into a rewarding career within the education sector.

If you have the resilience, situational awareness, leadership, and calm-under-pressure mindset developed in high-pressure environments — your skills are highly transferable to Special Educational Needs (SEN) education.

About the Role

We are seeking proactive, resilient, and adaptable Teaching Assistants to work within:

• SEN Schools

• SEMH (Social, Emotional & Mental Health) provisions

• Alternative Provision settings

• PRU (Pupil Referral Units)

You will support students who may display challenging behaviour, have experienced trauma, or require additional structure and emotional guidance to thrive in education.

This is not a passive classroom role — it requires presence, confidence, consistency, and a “can-do” approach.

Why Security & Ex-Forces Backgrounds Excel in This Role

Your experience likely includes:

• De-escalation and conflict management

• Strong communication and command presence

• Emotional resilience

• Clear boundary setting

• Teamwork and leadership

• Risk awareness and safeguarding mindset

• The ability to remain calm under pressure

These are critical skills when supporting vulnerable young people who need positive role models and structured guidance.

Key Responsibilities

• Supporting students 1:1 or in small groups

• Managing behaviour positively and consistently

• Assisting teachers in delivering structured learning

• Acting as a mentor and stable adult role model

• Promoting emotional regulation and personal development

• Working collaboratively with teaching and safeguarding teams

Ideal Candidate

• Background in Armed Forces, Security, Police, Prison Service, or similar

• Interested in building a long-term career in education

• Passionate about supporting young people with additional needs

• Resilient, patient, and adaptable

• Strong boundaries but approachable

• Team player with initiative

• Willing to undertake training (Team Teach, safeguarding, SEN awareness)

This Is More Than a Job

For many of our staff, this role provides:

• A new sense of purpose

• The opportunity to mentor and guide young people who need strong role models

• A career with progression and stability

If you're ready to transfer your skills into education and make a meaningful difference in SEN, SEMH, Alternative Provision or PRU environments — we want to hear from you.


If you're interested please send an email over to isaac.jackson-carter@teachingpersonnel.com.  

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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