Special Educational Needs (SEN) Practitioner – Bristol

Full-Time | Term-Time | Long-Term & Permanent Roles Available
Flexible Working | Immediate Starts | Support Children with Additional Needs

Are you an experienced SEN practitioner, teaching assistant, or care professional looking for a rewarding role supporting children with additional needs?
We are recruiting Special Educational Needs Practitioners to join specialist and mainstream schools across Bristol, supporting pupils with Autism, SEMH, ADHD, communication needs, learning difficulties and complex behavioural needs.

If you have experience in SEN support, education, care, behaviour mentoring, residential work, or supporting vulnerable young people, this is an excellent opportunity to use your skills in a meaningful and impactful educational setting.

⭐ Key Responsibilities (SEN Practitioner Duties)

• Provide targeted support to pupils with a range of additional needs, including ASC, SEMH, ADHD and learning difficulties
• Support students 1:1 and in small groups with communication, routines, behaviour and emotional regulation
• Implement personalised learning plans, behaviour strategies and structured interventions
• Assist teaching staff in adapting lessons and creating an inclusive, supportive classroom environment
• Use your SEN experience to build strong, stable and trusting relationships with pupils who need consistency
• Promote independence, resilience, self-confidence and positive communication skills
• Contribute to a safe, nurturing and supportive learning environment for every child
• Work collaboratively with teachers, therapists, SENCo teams and external professionals

⭐ Essential Skills & Experience

• Experience working with children or young people with additional needs
• Background in SEN support, care work, TA roles, residential childcare or behaviour support
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Confident supporting behaviour, emotional regulation and sensory needs
• Ability to stay calm, patient and proactive in fast-paced environments
• Enhanced DBS (or willingness to apply)

⭐ Desirable (Not Essential)

• Experience working specifically in SEN schools or specialist provisions
• Knowledge of Autism, SEMH, MLD/SLD, trauma-informed practice and behaviour management
• Experience supporting communication difficulties or sensory needs
• Training such as Team Teach, safeguarding, first aid or SEN qualifications
• Ability to plan or lead structured activities or interventions
• Driving licence and access to a car (preferred but not essential)

⭐ What You’ll Get (Great Benefits Package)

• Flexible working options – choose between 3–5 days per week
• Weekly pay via PAYE — no umbrella deductions
• Access to accredited CPD including:
  • Team Teach
  • Autism Training
  • SEMH & Behaviour Management
  • Communication & Language Support
• £50 referral bonus once your referral completes 5 working days
• Ongoing support from your dedicated consultant
• Opportunities for permanent SEN Practitioner roles for the right candidates
• A chance to make a genuine impact on children who need stability, care and encouragement
• A meaningful career supporting pupils where every achievement truly matters

Why This Role Is Perfect for You

This role is ideal if you are passionate about:

• Supporting children with additional needs to reach their full potential
• Using your SEN or care experience in a rewarding school environment
• Developing a long-term career in SEN education, behaviour support or specialist provision
• Working in a setting where no two days are the same — and every day makes a difference

If you come from a background in SEN support, youth work, care, TA roles or behaviour mentoring, your skills are highly valued and directly transferable.

Apply Now – Join Bristol Schools as a Special Educational Needs Practitioner

If you’re ready to support children with diverse needs and begin a fulfilling role as an SEN Practitioner, we’d love to hear from you.
Start making a real difference today.

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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