Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people with special educational needs and make a real difference every day.
- Company: Join a supportive team dedicated to transforming lives through education.
- Benefits: Earn £85-£95 per day, gain paid experience, and access 200+ professional development modules.
- Why this job: Transition into a rewarding career where your impact is visible every single day.
- Qualifications: No formal teaching qualifications needed; just a passion for supporting children.
- Other info: Full-time, term-time only position with opportunities for permanent contracts.
Are you considering a career change into education?
Do you want a role where your work genuinely makes a difference every day?
We are offering a structured pathway into becoming a SEND Teaching Assistant, designed specifically for individuals looking to transition into education from other industries.
Whether you've worked in care, youth work, customer service, the armed forces, hospitality, psychology, coaching, or another people-focused role - your skills are highly transferable.
About the ProgrammeWe have partnered with Creative Education to provide a comprehensive SEND Training Programme, giving you the knowledge, confidence and practical experience needed to succeed in specialist school settings.
You will begin with an in-depth consultation with one of our Specialist SEND Consultants, who will match you with a partner school based on your interests and strengths.
Opportunities available across:
- Complex Needs
- Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH)
- Autism
- Speech and Language
- Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties
- Mainstream settings with SEND support
- Primary and Secondary schools
You will gain hands-on experience while completing structured training modules designed to build your expertise.
What You'll Gain- A full-time position (8:30am-3:30pm, term-time only)
- Paid experience in SEND schools across Sussex
- £85-£95 per day
- Access to 200+ professional development modules
- CPD-certified SEND Teaching Assistant qualification
- Specialist mentoring and ongoing support
- Exposure to a range of school environments
- Opportunity to move into permanent school contracts
- A potential pathway into teacher training or further SEND specialisation
This opportunity is perfect for career changers who:
- Want more purpose and meaning in their work
- Have experience in people-focused roles
- Are calm, patient and empathetic
- Are confident supporting behaviour and setting boundaries
- Are resilient and adaptable
- Are available full-time and able to start ASAP (notice period no longer than 2 weeks)
Previous school experience is not essential. We value life experience, transferable skills and the right attitude.
A driving licence is preferred but not essential.
Important Information- Full-time, term-time only position
- Enhanced DBS required (full assistance provided)
- Travel within a reasonable local radius may be required to access the best training placements
- Long-term and permanent opportunities available
Working in SEND education is challenging - but incredibly rewarding. You will support young people who rely on consistency, encouragement and understanding to reach their full potential.
If you're ready for a career where your impact is visible every single day, we'd love to hear from you.
How to apply?
- You can apply for this role below or get in touch with us directly. No formal teaching qualification required. A passion for supporting children with SEND is essential.
- If you are not contacted within 5 working days, unfortunately, you have been unsuccessful for this role.
- All candidates must have a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check before starting work. Full assistance provided.
- By applying for this role, you are consenting to Engage Education Ltd storing your personal details in our fully encrypted database, in line with the GDPR requirements.
SEND Teaching Assistant - Career Change Opportunity employer: Engage Partners
Contact Detail:
Engage Partners Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SEND Teaching Assistant - Career Change Opportunity
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the education sector, especially those who work with SEND. They can provide insights and might even know of openings that aren't advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to SEND. Think about your transferable skills and how they apply to supporting children with special needs. We want you to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! When you get the chance to speak with potential employers, let them know why you want to make this career change. Your enthusiasm can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
We think you need these skills to ace SEND Teaching Assistant - Career Change Opportunity
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Make sure to express your enthusiasm for working in SEND education. We want to see that you genuinely care about making a difference in the lives of young people with special educational needs.
Highlight Transferable Skills: Since this role is perfect for career changers, don’t forget to showcase your previous experience in people-focused roles. Whether it’s from care, hospitality, or coaching, let us know how those skills can benefit your work as a SEND Teaching Assistant.
Tailor Your Application: Take a moment to customise your application to fit the job description. Mention specific aspects of the role that excite you and how your background aligns with our mission at StudySmarter.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Engage Partners
✨Know Your Why
Before the interview, take some time to reflect on why you want to transition into a SEND Teaching Assistant role. Be ready to share your passion for supporting children with special educational needs and how your previous experiences have prepared you for this meaningful work.
✨Showcase Transferable Skills
Think about the skills you've gained from your previous roles in care, customer service, or any people-focused job. Prepare specific examples of how these skills can be applied in a SEND setting, such as patience, empathy, and resilience.
✨Research the Programme
Familiarise yourself with the SEND Training Programme offered by Creative Education. Understanding the structure and benefits of the training will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you're genuinely interested in the opportunity.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare a few insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could be about the types of support provided to SEND students or the mentoring process. It shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.
