Specialist Teaching Assistant

Flexible Supply Opportunities in Specialist Education

Are you an experienced Teaching Assistant looking for a new challenge and the flexibility that supply work can offer?

Teaching Personnel is working with a number of specialist provisions in the Chard area and is seeking experienced Specialist Teaching Assistants to support schools on an ad hoc and full-time supply basis from September 2026.

For the right candidates, there may also be opportunities to begin before the new academic year.

These schools cater for children and young people with a range of additional needs, including Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, speech and language difficulties, communication needs, learning disabilities and pupils who require highly personalised support. As there are several provisions in the area, successful applicants will have access to a variety of settings and age groups.

What Will the Role Involve?

• Providing classroom support on a 1:1 basis and within small groups.
• Encouraging participation and helping pupils engage with learning activities.
• Supporting behaviour regulation and emotional wellbeing.
• Implementing strategies recommended by teaching and therapeutic professionals.
• Assisting pupils with communication, social interaction and independence skills.
• Creating positive relationships that help pupils feel safe and supported.
• Supporting students during structured and unstructured parts of the school day.

Who Are We Looking For?

Due to the nature of supply work, we require applicants who can hit the ground running and confidently work within established teams.

Applicants should have:

• Previous experience as a Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant or Specialist Support Worker.
• Experience working with children or young people with additional needs.
• A calm, patient and resilient approach.
• The ability to adapt quickly to different environments.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Why Join Teaching Personnel?

• Flexible work to fit around your commitments.
• Opportunities across a range of SEN and SEMH settings.
• Competitive pay of £14.25 per hour.
• Weekly PAYE payments.
• Access to free and discounted CPD training.
• A dedicated consultant who understands specialist education.
• Opportunities to gain experience in a variety of provisions and potentially secure long-term work.

If you are passionate about supporting pupils with additional needs and would like the flexibility of supply work, we would love to hear from you.

Apply today or call 01202 558848 and ask for Himaya!

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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