Specialist Teaching Assistant – SEN Primary & Secondary

Location: Rochdale
Role: Specialist Teaching Assistant
Setting: SEN Primary & Secondary School
Start Date: ASAP / October Half Term
Hours: Full-time | Term-time
Contract: Long-term opportunity

Make a real difference every day.

Are you a passionate and dedicated Teaching Assistant who wants to work in a specialist SEN setting where your support can genuinely change a young person's life?

We are currently recruiting for a Specialist Teaching Assistant to join a welcoming and supportive SEN school in Rochdale, working with pupils across both the primary and secondary phases.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about education and wants to support pupils with a range of additional needs to develop their confidence, independence, communication and learning.

The Role

As a Specialist Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with teachers and the wider support team to provide high-quality, individualised support to pupils with additional needs.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing 1:1 and small-group support across the classroom.
• Supporting pupils to access the curriculum and engage positively with learning.
• Working with pupils who may have a range of SEN, communication, learning and behavioural needs.
• Helping pupils develop their confidence, independence and social skills.
• Supporting emotional regulation and positive behaviour.
• Building strong, trusting and professional relationships with pupils.
• Adapting activities and learning resources to meet individual needs.
• Encouraging pupils to develop their independence and life skills.
• Working closely with teachers, SENCOs and the wider pastoral and support team.
• Supporting a safe, positive and inclusive learning environment.
• Following individual education and support plans and contributing to pupil progress.

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for someone who is compassionate, patient, resilient and enthusiastic, with a genuine desire to help children and young people achieve their potential.

You may already be working as a:

• SEN Teaching Assistant
• Specialist Teaching Assistant
• Learning Support Assistant
• Support Worker
• Behaviour Support Worker
• 1:1 Teaching Assistant
• Youth Worker
• Residential Support Worker

Previous experience working with pupils with SEN, SEMH, autism, complex learning needs or behavioural needs would be highly desirable.

Most importantly, you will be someone who understands that every pupil is different and is willing to adapt your approach to help them succeed.

What Makes This Opportunity Special?

Working within a specialist setting can be incredibly rewarding. You will have the opportunity to see pupils develop skills and confidence that can make a genuine difference to their future.

Whether it's helping a pupil engage in a lesson for the first time, supporting them through a difficult moment, celebrating a new achievement or encouraging greater independence — your contribution will matter.

You will be joining a dedicated team that values relationships, consistency, patience and high expectations.

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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