Teaching Assistant - Mainstream and Specialist Schools in Watford

Teaching Assistant Wanted - Mainstream & Specialist Schools Hertfordshire, Watford | Full-time | Temporary | Make a Difference Every Day Do you have a passion for helping children and young people learn, grow and feel included? Are you a patient and understanding person who is keen to make a positive difference in young people's life? We're looking for caring, committed Teaching Assistants to work in mainstream and specialist schools across Hertfordshire. Whether you have professional experience, have supported a child with additional needs in your personal life or have volunteered in a relevant setting, we'd be happy to hear from you. As a Teaching Assistant you don't need to have followed a traditional career path into education. What matters is your experience, your attitude and your willingness to help every child reach their potential. What makes these schools special? The schools we work with are welcoming, inclusive environments where children and young people with a range of abilities and additional needs are supported to feel safe, valued and understood. From mainstream schools with dedicated SEN support to specialist settings designed around individual needs, you'll join a team that recognises every child is different. Staff work together to create positive learning experiences, celebrate progress and help pupils build confidence, independence and social skills. What would your role involve? As a Teaching Assistant, you could support pupils on a one-to-one basis or work with small groups in the classroom. Your responsibilities will vary depending on the school and the needs of the children you support. Your day might include: Helping pupils with learning activities and adapting tasks to suit their individual needs. Supporting children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), including those who may need additional help with personal care, communication, social interaction, emotional regulation or daily routines. Encouraging positive behaviour, confidence and independence. Helping pupils feel settled, included and ready to learn. Working alongside teachers, SENCOs and other support staff to provide consistent, personalised support. Offering reassurance, patience and encouragement when a pupil finds something challenging. Following safeguarding procedures and the guidance set out in Keeping Children Safe in Education.Some roles may involve supporting pupils with more complex needs, so being adaptable, calm and comfortable responding to different situations is important. Who are we looking for? We're interested in people who genuinely want to support children and young people and understand that progress can look different for every individual. You may be a great fit if you have experience in any of the following areas: School-based experience: Working as a Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant, SEN Teaching Assistant or in another school support role. Residential or care experience: Supporting children or young people in residential care or another relevant care setting. Personal experience: Supporting your own child, a family member or someone close to you who has Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. Voluntary experience: Volunteering with children or young people with additional needs through a charity, community group, youth organisation or similar setting.You don't need experience in every setting. We value transferable skills, a caring approach and a genuine commitment to helping young people thrive. Training will be provided. What you'll need Experience supporting children or young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in the UK, gained through employment, personal experience, residential care, or voluntary work. A current child and adult DBS check on the Update Service or a willingness to apply for one. The right to work in the UK. We cannot offer visa sponsorship. Patience, reliability, and a positive, flexible approach. Good communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team. A willingness to learn, follow guidance and put each pupil's needs first.Relevant qualifications are welcome, but practical experience and the right attitude are just as important. Why work with us? As an education recruitment agency working with schools across Hertfordshire, we can help you find opportunities that suit your experience, availability and interests. Whether you're looking for your first step into education, want to build on your existing SEND experience or are seeking a role where your skills can make a real difference, we'll work with you to identify suitable opportunities in mainstream and specialist settings. You'll have the chance to develop your experience, learn from education professionals and help children and young people feel supported, included and confident in their learning. Ready to make a difference? If you have experience supporting children or young people with SEND and want to bring your patience, skills and enthusiasm into a school environment, apply today to discuss Teaching Assistant opportunities across Hertfordshire. Your experience could be exactly what a pupil needs