SEN Teaching Assistant

SEN Teaching Assistant – Complex Needs (Full-Time)

Location: Wigan Area
Employer: Teaching Personnel
Contract: Full-Time, Long-Term
Setting: SEN Secondary School

Are you passionate about supporting young people with complex Special Educational Needs? Teaching Personnel are seeking a full-time SEN Teaching Assistant to join a specialist secondary school in the Wigan area. The school supports students with a wide range of complex needs, including autism (ASC), severe learning difficulties (SLD), Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD), communication and sensory processing needs, physical disabilities, and medical needs requiring personalised care. These students require consistent, compassionate support to help them access learning and develop essential life skills.

About the Role

As an SEN Teaching Assistant, you will:

• Support students across KS3–KS4 with complex and diverse SEN needs.
• Assist in delivering tailored learning activities under the guidance of the class teacher and SEN staff.
• Provide 1:1 and small-group support to help pupils engage, communicate, and develop independence.
• Use a range of strategies and communication methods, such as PECs, visual timetables, Makaton, or sensory-based approaches.
• Support pupils with personal care where required, following individual care plans.
• Work closely with teachers, therapists, and pastoral staff to ensure consistency and progress.
• Help create a calm, safe, and structured learning environment.
• Implement behaviour support strategies with patience, positivity, and resilience.

Candidate Requirements

We are looking for individuals who:

• Have experience supporting children or young people with SEN (school, care, youth work, or similar).
• Have an understanding of complex SEN, such as ASC, SLD, PMLD, sensory needs, or medical needs.
• Are patient, nurturing, and able to remain calm in challenging situations.
• Are confident working with non-verbal pupils and alternative communication methods.
• Are comfortable assisting with personal care as required.
• Can commit to a full-time Monday–Friday role during term time.
• Hold an Enhanced Child Workforce DBS on the Update Service, or are willing to apply for one through Teaching Personnel.
• Have strong communication skills and a genuine passion for supporting young people.

Why Work With Teaching Personnel?

• Competitive pay rates based on experience.
• Access to FREE and ongoing CPD, including SEN, behaviour support and safeguarding training.
• A dedicated team to support you throughout your placement.
• Opportunities to make a real difference in young people’s lives.

How to Apply

If you’re passionate about helping young people with complex needs thrive, then apply today by sending in your CV.

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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