Job Title: SEN Teaching Assistant
Location: Stoke-on-Trent
Start Date: After May Half-Term (June 2026)
Contract Type: Full-Time, Temporary (Until Christmas 2026, with potential extension)
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
About the Role
An inclusive and supportive SEN school based in Stoke-on-Trent is seeking a compassionate and dedicated Teaching Assistant to join their team after the May half-term, with the role continuing until Christmas and the possibility of extension. This is a rewarding opportunity to support pupils with a range of special educational needs, helping them to access learning, develop independence, and achieve their full potential in a nurturing environment.
You will work closely with class teachers and the wider support team to provide tailored support to pupils, both on a one-to-one basis and in small groups. The school caters for children with a variety of needs, which may include autism (ASC), ADHD, speech and language difficulties, and social, emotional, and mental health needs (SEMH).
Key Responsibilities
- Provide 1:1 and small group support to pupils with SEN, adapting approaches to meet individual needs
- Assist in the delivery of personalised learning programmes set by the class teacher and SENCO
- Support pupils’ academic, social, and emotional development
- Help manage behaviour using positive behaviour support strategies in line with school policies
- Assist in creating a safe, engaging, and inclusive classroom environment
- Support communication and interaction, including the use of visual aids or alternative communication methods where required
- Work collaboratively with teachers, therapists, and other professionals within the school
- Monitor and record pupil progress, providing feedback to the class teacher
- Support personal care needs if required (full training provided where applicable)
- Ensure safeguarding procedures are followed at all times
Candidate Requirements
- Previous experience working with children or young people with special educational needs (school-based or similar setting)
- A patient, empathetic, and resilient approach
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to build positive relationships with pupils, staff, and parents
- Understanding of different SEN needs, particularly ASC, SEMH, or communication difficulties
- Ability to remain calm and adaptable in a dynamic environment
- A genuine passion for supporting children with additional needs
Desirable Skills and Experience
- Experience working within an SEN school or specialist setting
- Knowledge of behaviour management strategies such as Team Teach or similar approaches
- Experience supporting non-verbal pupils or using communication tools such as PECS or Makaton
- Relevant qualifications (e.g., Level 2/3 Teaching Assistant, CACHE, or equivalent)
What the School Offers
- A welcoming and inclusive school environment with a strong team ethos
- Ongoing support from experienced staff and leadership
- Opportunities for training and professional development in SEN practices
- A rewarding role making a genuine difference in pupils’ lives
- Potential for the role to be extended beyond the initial contract
This is an excellent opportunity for a committed SEN Teaching Assistant looking to gain valuable experience in a specialist setting while positively impacting the development and wellbeing of pupils with additional needs.
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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