SEN Teaching Assistant in Manchester

Location: Abbey Hey Primary Academy

As part of the United Learning Trust, Abbey Hey Academy is a larger than average sized primary school in the heart of Gorton, East Manchester. The school serves a vibrant and diverse community of learners. Abbey Hey is incredibly popular with local families and has very few places available along with long waiting lists for some year groups. In 2019, the school secured a ‘Good’ Ofsted judgement, details of which can be found on the school website. Abbey Hey are committed to delivering a broad and balanced curriculum; children undertake lots of educational visits and take part in a wide range of activities from football, choir, Eco club and dodgeball. Our vision is simple: to ensure children receive the best education that is available to enable them to become the very best that they can be.

Abbey Hey Primary Academy is part of United Learning, a large, and growing, group of schools aiming to offer a life-changing education to children and young people across England. United Learning is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All positions are subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and shortlisted candidates will be subject to an online check. We always appoint on merit, and we are open to discussing flexible working options.

Job details

• Contractual hours: 37.5
• Basis: Full Time
• Region: Manchester
• Date posted: 08/07/2026
• Job reference: REQ
• Salary: £25,918.00 FTE (£22,364.24 actual)
• Contract type: Fixed Term, Monday – Friday, term time plus one week, 37.5 hours per week
• Closing Date: Monday 7th September 2026
• Interviews: TBC - WC: 14th September
• Start Date: End September 2026

We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic and committed SEN Teaching Assistant with great energy, patience and dedication to supporting children with Special Educational Needs to achieve their full potential. The successful candidate will be expected to work with pupils across EYFS, KS1 and KS2, supporting a range of additional needs including communication and interaction needs, cognition and learning difficulties, and social, emotional and mental health needs.

We are looking for someone who will:

• Be passionate about supporting children with Special Educational Needs and/or disabilities to access learning and achieve success.
• Build positive, respectful and trusting relationships with pupils, acting as a role model and setting high expectations.
• Support pupils' learning, personal development, independence and wellbeing, adapting activities to meet individual needs.
• Promote inclusion and ensure all children are able to participate fully in classroom and wider school activities.
• Work closely with teachers and SEND staff to implement Individual Education Plans (IEPs), behaviour plans and personalised support programmes.
• Have experience of working with children, preferably those with additional needs, communication difficulties or social, emotional and behavioural needs.
• Hold a Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification (or equivalent recognised qualification) and have experience of supporting pupils with Special Educational Needs and/or disabilities.
• Support pupils with personal care, medical or physical needs where required, following appropriate training and school procedures.
• Work collaboratively with families, teachers, therapists and other professionals to support pupil progress.
• Use positive behaviour management strategies and support pupils to develop confidence, resilience and independence.
• Be flexible, patient, caring and committed to ensuring every child can thrive.
• Be committed to ongoing professional development and willing to undertake relevant training, including first aid where appropriate.
• Be enthusiastic about making a difference and contributing to the wider life of the school community.

...we can offer you:

• Opportunities for professional development within our school and Trust.
• A supportive leadership team who invest in people.
• An opportunity to work in a charitable organisation focused on improving the lives of disadvantaged children.
• Fantastic children who are enthusiastic, eager to learn and who relish a challenge.
• A welcoming and vibrant local community.
• A friendly, hard-working and committed staff team.
• Access to the Westfield Health benefits package.
• A welcoming and attractive learning environment where everyone is valued.
• A chance to make a real difference to the lives of children with additional needs.

United Learning is a group of schools which aims to provide excellent education to children and young people across the country. We seek to improve the life chances of all the children and young people we serve and make it our mission to bring out the best in everyone – pupils, staff, parents and the wider community.