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SEN Teaching Assistant

  1. Autism
  2. Portsmouth
Date posted : 28/07/26
  1. Flexible Working
£14.25 - 14.25 per hour

Job description

Teaching Assistant

Full-Time | Term Time Only

We are seeking dedicated, compassionate and resilient Teaching Assistants to join our specialist education team. This is an excellent opportunity to support children and young people with additional needs, helping them to achieve their full potential within a nurturing, structured and highly individualised learning environment.

The Role

As a Teaching Assistant, you will work collaboratively with teachers, therapists and pastoral staff to provide high-quality support for pupils throughout the school day. You will play an integral role in promoting pupils' academic progress, social development, emotional wellbeing and independence.

This rewarding position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of young people who benefit from specialist educational provision.

About Our Pupils

You will support children and young people aged 10–17 years with a range of Special Educational Needs (SEN), including:

  • Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC)

  • Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN)

  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Many pupils have experienced barriers to learning in previous educational settings and thrive within a calm, structured and relationship-centred environment that recognises their individual strengths and needs.

Our Learning Environment

Our classes are intentionally small, typically comprising 4 to 8 pupils, enabling highly personalised learning and strong, supportive relationships. Teaching Assistants work alongside experienced teaching staff within well-resourced classrooms, where a high staff-to-pupil ratio ensures each child receives the support they require to succeed.

Key Responsibilities

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Supporting pupils at the start of the school day and promoting positive routines.

  • Assisting with the delivery of engaging and differentiated lessons across a broad curriculum.

  • Providing individual and small-group learning support.

  • Encouraging pupils' communication, confidence, independence and social development.

  • Supporting emotional regulation through agreed behavioural and therapeutic strategies.

  • Supervising pupils during break and lunchtime whilst encouraging positive social interaction.

  • Working collaboratively with teachers, therapists and pastoral colleagues to support individual learning plans.

  • Recording observations and contributing to the monitoring of pupil progress.

  • Promoting a safe, inclusive and positive learning environment at all times.

No two days are the same, making this a varied and rewarding role with opportunities to make a positive difference every day.

Person Specification

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

  • A compassionate, patient and resilient approach.

  • A genuine commitment to supporting children and young people with additional needs.

  • Flexibility and the ability to adapt to changing situations.

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

  • The ability to build positive, trusting relationships with pupils and colleagues.

  • A calm and professional approach when working in challenging situations.

  • A willingness to participate in ongoing professional development and training.

Previous experience working with children or young people is desirable but not essential. We welcome applications from individuals with experience in education, health and social care, youth work, residential care, psychology, mental health support or other people-focused professions, as well as those with relevant transferable skills.

What We Offer

  • A comprehensive induction programme and ongoing professional development.

  • Opportunities for career progression within specialist education.

  • A supportive, collaborative and experienced staff team.

  • A rewarding role where you can make a genuine difference to the lives of children and young people.

  • A positive, child-centred working environment committed to achieving the best outcomes for every pupil.

 

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.
For details of our privacy policy, please visit the Teaching Personnel website.

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