Special Needs Teaching Assistant

We are currently recruiting for a General SEN Teaching Assistant to join a welcoming and inclusive school, in the Manchester area, that is committed to providing high-quality support for pupils with additional needs aged 5 to 16 years. This is an excellent opportunity for both experienced SEN Teaching Assistants and individuals with transferable skills from care, youth work, coaching, psychology, health and social care or community-based roles who are looking to gain meaningful classroom experience.

The school is well-resourced and designed to support a wide range of learning needs. Facilities include dedicated intervention rooms, quiet and sensory spaces, small group teaching areas and well-equipped classrooms with adapted learning materials. The school also benefits from strong pastoral provision and clear behaviour policies that create a calm, structured and supportive learning environment. Outdoor spaces are used to support wellbeing and engagement and staff have access to appropriate resources to effectively meet pupils’ needs.

You will be part of a collaborative and supportive staff team, working closely with class teachers, the SENCO, pastoral leads and experienced support staff. The leadership team values support staff highly and provides clear guidance, ongoing support and opportunities for development. Staff wellbeing is prioritised, and teamwork is central to the school’s ethos.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small group support to pupils with a range of special educational needs
• Support pupils with academic tasks, emotional regulation and social development
• Adapt learning materials and break tasks down to support individual needs
• Promote positive behaviour and engagement in line with school policies
• Support inclusion within the classroom and wider school environment
• Assist with personal care where required, ensuring dignity and safeguarding at all times
• Work closely with teachers and support staff to implement tailored support strategies

Requirements

• Experience working with children or young people, or transferable experience from care, youth work, health or similar settings
• A patient, empathetic and proactive approach to supporting pupils with additional needs
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• A willingness to learn and develop SEN knowledge and classroom skills
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children
• Ability to work full-time or part-time, depending on availability

The role offers flexibility with both full-time and part-time options available. The school is easily accessible via public transport and offers on-site parking for those who drive.

This is a rewarding opportunity to gain hands-on SEN experience in a supportive school environment, making a meaningful difference to pupils’ learning, confidence and wellbeing while developing valuable skills for a career in education.

When applying through Teaching Personnel, an enhanced DBS on the update service is a required document. If you do not have one already, you will be asked to apply for one through Teaching Personnel before you are able to start in a position.

Any applicants that have been out of the UK for more than 3 months over the past 5 years will be asked to provide an overseas criminal clearance check. If you do not already have one of these, please apply for this before applying to this role

All applicants must have a permanent residence and right to work in the UK. If you are currently based in another country, please do not apply for these roles as we will not be able to process your application.

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.
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