At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with additional needs using sport to boost engagement and confidence.
- Company: Specialist SEND school in East London with a welcoming environment.
- Benefits: Ongoing training, career progression, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to empowering students' potential.
- Why this job: Combine your love for sport with meaningful support for young people.
- Qualifications: Experience in sports coaching or working with children with additional needs.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
We are currently seeking a passionate, energetic and dedicated Sports-Based SEN Teaching Assistant to join a specialist SEND school in East London from September. This is an exciting opportunity for someone with a background in sports coaching, PE, youth work, mentoring, behaviour support or special educational needs who is passionate about making a positive difference to the lives of children and young people.
You will work closely with pupils with a range of additional needs, including Autism (ASC), ADHD, SEMH and associated learning difficulties, using sport, physical activity and positive relationships as tools to improve engagement, confidence, communication and emotional wellbeing. The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting students both inside and outside the classroom, helping them access learning, regulate emotions and develop important social and life skills.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide 1:1 and small-group support for pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
- Use sport and physical activity to engage, motivate and support pupils' learning and development
- Deliver structured sports, fitness and enrichment activities tailored to individual needs and abilities
- Support pupils with Autism, ADHD, SEMH and behavioural needs both in lessons and during intervention sessions
- Promote positive behaviour, emotional regulation and social development through mentoring and relationship-building
- Work closely with teachers, therapists and pastoral teams to implement individual support strategies
- Encourage participation, independence, resilience and self-confidence
- Support pupils during breaktimes, transitions, educational visits and extracurricular activities
- Monitor and record pupil progress, engagement and behaviour
- Maintain a safe, inclusive and supportive learning environment at all times
The Ideal Candidate Will Have
- Experience working with children or young people in schools, sports coaching, youth work, mentoring or SEND settings
- A genuine passion for supporting pupils with additional needs
- Strong behaviour management and relationship-building skills
- Experience supporting pupils with Autism, ADHD, SEMH or other additional needs (desirable)
- A positive, resilient and proactive approach
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills
- The ability to inspire, motivate and engage young people through sport and physical activity
- A patient, empathetic and adaptable nature
- A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children
Desirable Qualifications
- Level 2 or Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification
- Sports Coaching, PE or Exercise-related qualification
- Youth Work, Behaviour Mentor or Pastoral Support experience
- Team Teach, MAPA or Positive Behaviour Support training
- First Aid qualification
- Experience within a SEND school, Alternative Provision or SEMH setting
What We Offer
- A rewarding opportunity to make a genuine difference to young people's lives
- A supportive and welcoming school environment
- Ongoing professional development and training opportunities
- The chance to combine your passion for sport with meaningful educational support
- Opportunities for career progression within SEND education
If you are passionate about sport, mentoring and supporting children with additional needs to achieve their full potential, we would love to hear from you.
Secondary SEN Teaching Assistant with a Sports Focus in Hackney employer: Educo Recruitment
Join a dedicated team at our specialist SEND school in East London, where your passion for sports and commitment to supporting children with additional needs will truly make a difference. We offer a supportive work environment, ongoing professional development, and the unique opportunity to combine your love for sport with meaningful educational support, all while fostering a culture of inclusivity and growth. With clear pathways for career progression, you will be empowered to inspire and engage young people, helping them thrive both academically and personally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Secondary SEN Teaching Assistant with a Sports Focus in Hackney
✨Tip Number 1
Get your networking game on! Reach out to people in the education and sports sectors. Attend local events or workshops where you can meet like-minded folks. You never know who might have a lead on that perfect job!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you’ve got experience in sports coaching or working with kids, don’t be shy about it. Prepare some examples of how you’ve made a difference in previous roles and be ready to share them during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Before your interview, do some mock sessions with friends or family. Focus on how you’d engage with students with additional needs using sport. This will help you feel more confident and articulate during the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’re all about making connections and finding the right fit. By applying directly, you’ll get noticed quicker and show us you’re serious about joining our team. Don’t miss out on this chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Secondary SEN Teaching Assistant with a Sports Focus in Hackney
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for supporting children with additional needs shine through in your application. Share specific examples of how you've used sports or mentoring to make a positive impact in the past.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially in sports coaching or working with SEND. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on those details!
Craft a Personal Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Be personal, be genuine, and connect your experiences to the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, plus you’ll find all the info you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Educo Recruitment
✨Know Your SEN and Sports
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of special educational needs, particularly Autism, ADHD, and SEMH. Also, be ready to discuss how you can use sports and physical activities to engage and support these students. This shows that you understand the role and are genuinely passionate about making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past experiences in sports coaching, mentoring, or working with children with additional needs. Highlight how you've successfully supported students in similar settings, as this will demonstrate your capability and commitment to the role.
✨Emphasise Relationship-Building Skills
Since building positive relationships is key in this role, think of ways to illustrate your ability to connect with young people. Share stories that showcase your patience, empathy, and how you've helped students feel more confident and engaged.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the school's approach to supporting students with SEND or how they integrate sports into their curriculum. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the school is the right fit for you.
