SEN Teaching Assistant Placement Year – A Unique Opportunity to Support Pupils with Additional Needs
Location: Sheffield, S8
Placement Type: Full-time (9–12-month student placement)
Pay: £95–£105 per day (depending on experience)
Start Date: September start – with immediate work opportunities
Are you a university student looking to complete your placement year in a rewarding, hands-on educational role?
Join Teaching Personnel and take part in an enriching placement supporting pupils with a wide range of special educational needs (SEN) including Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD), Moderate Learning Difficulties (MLD), and complex learning profiles.
This is a fantastic opportunity for students studying psychology, education, childhood development, health and social care, or similar fields who are passionate about inclusion and making a difference.
About the Role
As an SEN Teaching Assistant, you will:
- Support pupils on a 1:1 basis and in small groups with their learning, communication, and care needs
- Assist with differentiated learning activities designed for pupils with MLD, PMLD, and other additional needs
- Provide personal care and mobility support where necessary, depending on experience
- Help maintain a safe, structured, and positive environment in SEN and inclusive school settings
- Work closely with experienced teachers, SENCOs, and therapists
What We’re Looking For
We’d love to hear from students who are:
- Working towards a degree in education, psychology, social work, childhood studies, or similar
- Looking for a placement year that offers real-world experience with SEN pupils
- Patient, empathetic, and enthusiastic about working with children with additional needs
- Reliable, resilient, and eager to learn from experienced professionals
Previous experience with SEN or care is a plus but not required – full guidance and in-school training will be offered.
What You’ll Gain
- Practical experience in a specialist environment
- Insight into a wide range of SEN including MLD, PMLD, sensory needs, and communication difficulties
- Access to CPD-accredited training (e.g. safeguarding, Thrive, Team Teach)
- Support from a dedicated consultant throughout your placement
- A strong foundation for future careers in teaching, educational psychology, therapy, or care.
What is required?
- All candidates will need to have or be willing to apply for a child’s workforce enhanced DBS check
- This DBS is required to be on the update service
- A minimum of 2 professional references
- Appropriate right to work in the UK
Apply Now
Take the next step in your SEN career and help create a safe, structured, and inspiring environment for autistic pupils to succeed.
Submit a CV today and our SEN consultant will be in touch.
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.
