SEN Teaching Assistant - Pentre

Teaching Personnel - Specialist Education Agency

Teaching Personnel are seeking a compassionate, enthusiastic, and resilient SEN Teaching Assistant to join one of our partner schools in Pentre, Rhondda Cynon Taf. This rewarding role offers the opportunity to support pupils with a range of Additional Learning Needs (ALN) and Special Educational Needs (SEN), helping them to thrive both academically and socially within a supportive educational environment.

This position is ideal for individuals passionate about making a lasting difference in the lives of children and young people who require additional support, including those with:

✅ Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
✅ Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
✅ Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN)
✅ Social, Emotional and Mental Health Needs (SEMH)
✅ Moderate to Severe Learning Difficulties (MLD/SLD)
✅ Sensory Processing Difficulties
✅ Behavioural and Emotional Challenges
✅ Anxiety and Low Self-Confidence

About the Role

• Location: Pentre, Rhondda Cynon Taf
• Start Date: ASAP
• Contract: Full-time, long-term position with potential for permanent employment
• Hours: Monday-Friday, school hours
• Setting: Inclusive mainstream and specialist SEN provisions

As an SEN Teaching Assistant, you will:

• Support pupils on a 1:1 basis and in small intervention groups
• Assist teachers in delivering engaging and accessible learning activities
• Adapt resources and learning approaches to meet individual pupil needs
• Encourage positive behaviour and emotional regulation strategies
• Build strong, trusting relationships with pupils to support their progress and wellbeing
• Implement personalised support plans, behaviour plans and educational targets
• Support pupils during classroom activities, breaktimes and educational visits
• Work collaboratively with teachers, SENCOs, parents and external professionals
• Promote independence, confidence and social development
• Follow safeguarding, behaviour management and school policies at all times

What We're Looking For

We welcome applicants from a range of backgrounds. Previous school experience is advantageous but not essential.

We would love to hear from candidates with experience in:

• Care and support work
• Residential childcare
• Youth work
• Sports coaching
• Mental health support
• Community outreach work
• Nursery and childcare settings
• SEN or ALN support roles

You'll be a great fit if you are:

• Patient, understanding and empathetic
• Calm under pressure and emotionally resilient
• Passionate about supporting children with additional needs
• Able to establish positive and supportive relationships
• Consistent, reliable and professional
• A strong team player with excellent communication skills
• Flexible and willing to adapt to pupils' individual requirements

Key Responsibilities

Learning Support

• Provide tailored support to pupils with SEN and ALN
• Reinforce learning objectives set by teaching staff
• Encourage participation and engagement within lessons
• Support literacy, numeracy and communication development

Emotional and Behavioural Support

• Assist pupils in managing emotions and behaviour positively
• Implement de-escalation strategies where required
• Promote self-esteem, resilience and confidence
• Create a safe, welcoming and supportive learning environment

Personal Development

• Encourage independence and life skills
• Support social interaction and communication development
• Help pupils achieve personal and academic milestones
• Celebrate achievements and progress

Requirements

• Enhanced Child Workforce DBS on the Update Service (or willingness to obtain one)
• Right to work in the UK
• Two professional references covering the last two years
• Experience supporting children, young people, or vulnerable adults is desirable
• Relevant qualifications in Education, Childcare, Health & Social Care or related fields are beneficial but not essential

Why Choose Teaching Personnel?

• Dedicated education consultant supporting you throughout your placement
• Access to free CPD and accredited training courses including:
  • Autism Awareness
  • Safeguarding Children
  • Behaviour Management
  • Team Teach
  • Prevent Duty
  • Mental Health Awareness
  • Effective SEN Support
• Weekly PAYE pay with no hidden umbrella charges
• Opportunities for long-term placements and permanent contracts
• Access to a variety of local schools and specialist provisions
• Referral bonus scheme
• Ongoing career development opportunities

Why Work in Pentre?

Pentre schools pride themselves on creating nurturing and inclusive learning environments where every child is supported to reach their full potential. You will become part of a dedicated team committed to improving outcomes for pupils with additional learning needs while gaining valuable experience within education and SEN support.