SEN Teaching Assistant

SEN Teaching Assistant

Full-Time 23755 - 26170 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Derby City Council

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support learning for students with special educational needs in a vibrant classroom environment.
  • Company: Join St Martins, part of the Shaw Education Trust, dedicated to inclusive education.
  • Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, pension schemes, and health plans from day one.
  • Other info: Fixed term contract with opportunities for professional development and career growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your skills in education.
  • Qualifications: Experience with special educational needs and a passion for supporting diverse learners.

The predicted salary is between 23755 - 26170 £ per year.

The job is for a SEN Teaching Assistant at St Martins – Shaw Education Trust.

Job Details

  • Date posted: 27/05/2026
  • Closing date: 05/06/2026
  • Working pattern: Term time
  • Salary Grade 6 – FTE £27,254 – £30,024 a year; actual starting £23,755 – £26,170 a year.
  • Hours: Monday / Thursday – 8:15 am – 4:00 pm, Tuesday / Wednesday – 8:15 am – 4:45 pm, Friday – 8:15 am – 2:45 pm.
  • Contract: Fixed Term 1 year, 38 weeks + 5 inset days (39 weeks total).
  • Location: St Martins, Derby.

Responsibilities

  • Support learning in the classroom and contribute to other areas of school life for pupils with SEND.
  • Work with a mixed pupil group of children and young people with various learning difficulties and complex needs, including Autism, ADHD, SEL and other learning disabilities.

Qualifications

  • Have experience of supporting students with a range of Special Educational Needs.
  • Be able to tailor communication to meet the needs of students.
  • Want to work towards shaping successful futures for all students.

Benefits

  • Local Government Pension Scheme (Support Staff) / Teachers Pension (Teaching Staff).
  • Generous holiday entitlement from day one (37 days rising to 39 days after 5 years, including bank holidays).
  • Electric car scheme – environment‑friendly vehicles.
  • Medicash health & wellbeing plan.
  • Free teachers’ discount scheme and eye tests.
  • Cycle‑to‑work scheme.
  • Access to the Institute of Education and a range of professional development opportunities.

Employment checks & EEO

Applicants will undergo appropriate vetting procedures, including a Disclosure and Barring Service check and an Enhanced DBS check. We are an Equal Opportunities employer and will ensure that all recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.

SEN Teaching Assistant employer: Derby City Council

St Martins – Shaw Education Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment for SEN Teaching Assistants in Derby. With a strong commitment to employee growth through professional development opportunities and a generous benefits package including a local government pension scheme, ample holiday entitlement, and health and wellbeing plans, we prioritise the well-being and success of our staff as they help shape the futures of students with special educational needs.

Derby City Council

Contact Details:

Derby City Council Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land SEN Teaching Assistant

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in education or SEN support. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to SEN. Think about your experiences and how they relate to the role. We want you to shine when it comes to showcasing your skills!

Tip Number 3

Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on schools that align with your values. Check out our website for opportunities at St Martins and other schools where you can make a real difference.

Tip Number 4

Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can set you apart from other candidates. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in their minds.

We think you need these skills to ace SEN Teaching Assistant

Experience with Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Communication Skills
Adaptability
Empathy
Teamwork
Behaviour Management
Understanding of Autism and ADHD

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience with Special Educational Needs. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant experiences!

Show Your Passion:Let us know why you’re excited about working with students with SEND. Share any personal stories or motivations that drive you to support these learners. We love seeing genuine enthusiasm in applications!

Be Clear and Concise:Keep your writing clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role, and make sure to proofread for any typos!

Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly. Plus, it makes it easier for us to keep track of your application.

How to prepare for a job interview at Derby City Council

Know Your SEN Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Special Educational Needs (SEN) before the interview. Familiarise yourself with different types of learning difficulties, like Autism and ADHD, and think about how you can support students with these needs in a classroom setting.

Tailor Your Communication

Since the role requires you to adapt your communication style, prepare examples of how you've done this in the past. Think about specific situations where you successfully communicated with students who have different needs and how you tailored your approach to help them learn.

Show Your Passion for Education

Let your enthusiasm for shaping successful futures for students shine through. Be ready to discuss why you want to work in education, particularly with children who have SEND, and share any personal experiences that fuel your passion.

Ask Thoughtful Questions

Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of the interview. This could be about the school's approach to supporting students with SEND or opportunities for professional development. It shows you're genuinely interested and engaged with the role.