What role does a SEN Teaching Assistant play in the classroom?
Few roles in education are more integral – or less talked-about - than the role of a special educational needs or SEN teaching assistant. Without the help and support of these educators, many of the most vulnerable students would fall behind in learning.
In fact, recent research suggests that nearly 1.1 million UK students require SEN support . Thankfully, most schools recognise the need for this type of learning assistance and prioritise employing candidates who are passionate about SEN teaching assistant jobs.
Here, we delve into the responsibilities of an SEN Teaching Assistant and how can their role be impactful?
1. They help students with classroom tasks
SEN teaching assistants don’t just support the teacher; they also support one or several specific students in the classroom. This role is a great step on the way to an SEN teacher job and can provide valuable hands-on experience. In this regard, they may be asked to help learners develop their understanding of the subjects being taught by applying dynamic learning activities suited to the needs and abilities of each student.
An SEN teacher’s assistant may be asked to study learners during a lesson. This will help teachers to identify individual needs so that appropriate teaching strategies and motivations can be applied for the best outcomes.
2. They communicate with parents and teachers
One essential skill that SEN teaching assistant qualifications should cultivate is communication. Together with the class teacher, special education needs assistants may be expected to share their knowledge of learners to help them reach their potential. This may mean conducting meetings with parents, teachers, or other parties with a stake in the learner’s education and overall well-being.
It's also important that all SEN teacher assistants maintain healthy communication with the teacher they are assigned to. From sharing concerns about students to updating them on progress, it’s imperative that SEN assistants keep the class teacher in the loop to ensure that learning is maximised at every avenue.
3. They provide behavioural and emotional support
Special Educational Needs learners may have complex behavioural and learning challenges which need to be overcome. A SEN assistant must address these challenges on a pupil-based level while the teacher continues to teach and address the class.
The role also involves establishing a learning environment that recognises the difficulties that SEN students may face. The best learning happens in a comfortable and accommodating learning environment.
SEN teaching assistants generally have more time to form bonds with pupils during one-on-one learning. This contributes to forming emotional connections which, if nurtured, can help with learning processes. SEN assistants play an important role in supporting pupils’ emotional needs as well as their learning requirements.
Find a SEN teaching job with Teaching Personnel
If you’re looking to kickstart your career and apply your SEN teaching assistant skills, then Teaching Personnel can connect you to the right job.
Our passion for education drives us to deliver outstanding results throughout the recruitment process. We ensure that the best candidates are matched with the best teaching roles so that all children can benefit from a full education.
Browse our SEN teaching assistant jobs or contact us for more information – we can’t wait to hear from you.
Sign up to posts
Related jobs
Salary
£31,650 - 49,084 per year
Location free text
Portsmouth
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£30,000 - £39,999
£40,000 - £49,999
Sector
ICT & Computing
Location
Portsmouth
Description
Computer Science Teacher for secondary school in PortsmouthAbout the School: This forward-thinking secondary academy in Portsmouth is renowned for its commitment to academic excellence and student dev
Reference
compsci
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
South Coast SecondaryAuthor
South Coast SecondarySalary
£85 - 105 per day
Location free text
Clapham
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Greater London
Description
Exciting Opportunity: Secondary Teaching Assistant with English Specialism Location: Clapham, Greater London Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time Salary: £85 - £105 per dayAre you passionate ab
Reference
TAENG00
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Wimbledon BranchAuthor
Wimbledon BranchSalary
£31,650 - 49,084 per year
Location free text
Waterlooville
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£30,000 - £39,999
£40,000 - £49,999
Sector
Maths
Location
Hampshire
Description
Maths Maternity Cover for secondary school in WaterloovilleAbout the School: This highly regarded Catholic secondary school in Waterlooville has a long-standing tradition of academic excellence and st
Reference
MathsMaternity
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
South Coast SecondaryAuthor
South Coast SecondarySalary
£31,650 - 49,084 per year
Location free text
Waterlooville
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£30,000 - £39,999
£40,000 - £49,999
Sector
Food Tech
Location
Hampshire
Description
Teacher of Food Technology required for Secondary school in WaterloovilleAbout the School: This vibrant secondary school in Waterlooville prides itself on providing a supportive and inclusive environm
Reference
Food tech
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
South Coast SecondaryAuthor
South Coast SecondarySalary
£25 - 30 per hour
Location free text
Christchurch
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£20 - £29 per hour
£30 per hour and above
Sector
Secondary
Location
Dorset
Description
About Us:At TP tutors, we are dedicated to making a difference in students' lives by providing top-notch educational support. We partner with local schools and authorities to offer tailored tutoring s
Reference
LV2210
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
South TuitionAuthor
South TuitionSalary
£20 - 25 per hour
Location free text
Manchester
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
Tutor/Intervention
Location
Manchester
Description
Teaching Personnel are specialists in providing 1-1 tuition for young people who are not in education. We have an urgent need for tutors.These pupils have a range of needs including: SEND needs - suc
Reference
10SFManMath22/10
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
North TuitionAuthor
North TuitionSalary
£83.85 - 90.00 per day
Location free text
Bury
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Greater Manchester
Description
Primary Teaching Assistant – Radcliffe (M26)A multi-academy trust currently needs Teaching Assistants to provide ad-hoc cover across their three primary schools located across the Radcliffe and Bury a
Reference
ADHOCTASBRY
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Manchester North PrimaryAuthor
Manchester North PrimarySalary
£30k - 50k per year
Location free text
Rayleigh
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£30,000 - £39,999
£40,000 - £49,999
£200 - £299 per day
Sector
Business
Location
Essex
Description
A Secondary school in Rayleigh are looking to appoint a full-time Business Teacher, to cover and support the Department from January 2025. The position is suitable for an ECT or Experienced Teachers.
Reference
JCBTS12
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Essex BranchAuthor
Essex BranchSalary
£125 - 190 per day
Location free text
West Thurrock
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Maths
Location
Thurrock LEA
Description
Mathematics Teacher (Full-Time) – ThurrockWe are supporting an excellent school in Thurrock in the recruitment of a highly motivated and qualified Mathematics Teacher. This role offers the opportunity
Reference
JCMT5
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Essex BranchAuthor
Essex BranchSalary
£125 - 190 per day
Location free text
Rayleigh
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Religious Studies
Location
Essex
Description
Religious Studies Teacher (Full-Time) – Start Date: November 4th 2024Location: Rayleigh, EssexTeaching Personnel is pleased to be supporting a well-regarded school in their search for a committed and
Reference
JC03RE
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Essex BranchAuthor
Essex BranchRelated posts
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD10YY
Summary
As 31st October approaches, it’s a significant date for many teachers in the UK who may be considering their professional future. Teaching has always been one of the most rewarding professions. Y
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD10YY
Summary
At the end of October, we are excited to unveil our new eLearning platform, the Educator CPD Academy. This innovative platform will enhance your learning experience while maintaining ac
by
Zuzana Vrtalova
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD09YY
Summary
Teaching assistants (TAs) are an invaluable part of schools today. Their dedication and hard work deserve to be celebrated! Their impact is so meaningful that pupils often remember the differenc
by
Zuzana Vrtalova
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD07YY
Summary
School is finally out for summer. Final-year students have left with scribbled shirts for pastures new. Final assemblies have taken place, and thank-you cards and gifts have been gratefully receiv
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD05YY
Summary
Poor attendance has been an issue across the UK since the pandemic. According to recent statistics, pupil absenteeism in England soared to 22% by 2023. This equates to over 125,000 pupils missing
Teaser
Tips and AdviceContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD05YY
Summary
As the academic year peaks, the pressure of exams can overwhelm pupils. Many teachers believe that tests and exams have the biggest impact on students’ mental health. With GCSEs, SATs, and A-Levels
Teaser
Tips and AdviceContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD04YY
Summary
The teacher recruitment crisis is a priority for school leaders across the country. In the 2021–22 academic year, 4000 teachers retired, and 9% of the teaching workforce resigned, marking the highes
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD03YY
Summary
Planning for the Easter break? The Teaching Personnel payroll team wants to make sure you get paid on time. This table outlines the Easter 2024 payroll date, along with the corresponding deadline
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
Supply TeachingContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD01YY
Summary
Table of Contents 1. Why do people become supply teachers? 2. What does it take to become a supply teacher? 3. How can I find work as a supply teacher? <!-- b--> 4. How shou
by
Alex Schulte
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD01YY
Summary
Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision in schools is a critical aspect of education that demands attention in 2024. According to the Department for Education, over 1.5 million pupils in England
Register with us
for work in schools across England & Wales
Register today
Recent job