At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with additional needs in a nurturing and engaging learning environment.
- Company: New Barn School, a specialist independent school focused on SEMH and SEN.
- Benefits: Full-time role during term time with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children with unique learning needs.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEND or SEMH, strong communication skills, and a compassionate approach.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to fostering positive behaviour and emotional wellbeing.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
New Barn School provides a nurturing, therapeutic and highly individualised learning environment for children and young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs (SEMH), Autism, and associated learning differences. The school focuses on building trust, promoting positive behaviour, and helping pupils achieve both personal and academic success through tailored support and trauma‑informed practice.
Job Purpose
To support pupils with a range of additional needs in accessing learning, regulating emotions, and developing confidence and independence. Working closely with teachers, SENCO, and therapeutic staff, you will help create a safe, structured and engaging learning environment that enables every pupil to thrive.
Key Responsibilities
- Pupil Support
- Provide one‑to‑one and small‑group support for pupils with SEN, including SEMH, Autism, ADHD, and communication needs.
- Implement tailored learning and behaviour support strategies under the guidance of teachers and therapists.
- Promote emotional regulation, resilience and positive behaviour through calm, consistent approaches.
- Support pupils to develop social skills, independence, and engagement in classroom activities.
- Teaching & Learning
- Assist in delivering differentiated learning activities adapted to individual needs.
- Support literacy, numeracy and functional skills interventions as directed (e.g., Read Write Inc, Numicon).
- Prepare resources and create engaging, structured environments that support learning.
- Reinforce lesson content and help pupils remain focused and motivated.
- Behaviour & Wellbeing Support
- Apply trauma‑informed and therapeutic strategies to support pupils in moments of dysregulation.
- Contribute to behaviour plans, risk assessments, and personalised support programmes.
- Encourage and model positive relationships, communication and problem‑solving.
- Collaboration & Communication
- Work closely with class teachers, SENCO, therapists and pastoral staff to ensure consistent, coordinated support.
- Communicate effectively with colleagues regarding pupil progress, challenges and wellbeing.
- Provide feedback that contributes to reviews, assessments and personalised learning plans (PLPs / EHCPs).
- School Environment
- Help maintain a positive, safe and inclusive learning environment.
- Supervise pupils during transitions, break times and off‑site activities where required.
- Support the school’s safeguarding, behaviour, and safeguarding policies at all times.
Person Specification
- Essential
- Experience supporting children or young people with SEND or SEMH needs.
- Ability to stay calm, compassionate and patient in challenging situations.
- Strong communication and teamwork skills.
- Willingness to use therapeutic approaches and follow behaviour support plans.
- Commitment to safeguarding and promoting pupil welfare.
- Desirable
- Experience in SEMH, ASD or specialist settings.
- Training in de‑escalation or positive behaviour support (e.g., PRICE, Team Teach).
- Understanding of trauma‑informed practice.
- Knowledge of literacy and numeracy intervention approaches (e.g., RWI, Numicon).
Sen Teaching Assistant employer: Equitas Group
Contact Detail:
Equitas Group Recruiting 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 connections in the education sector, especially those who work with SEN. They might know about openings or can give you a heads-up on schools looking for passionate Teaching Assistants.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on trauma-informed practices and strategies for supporting pupils with SEMH needs. We want you to showcase your knowledge and passion for creating a nurturing environment!
✨Tip Number 3
When you get that interview, be ready to share specific examples of how you've supported children with additional needs in the past. We love hearing about real-life experiences that demonstrate your skills and commitment.
✨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, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at New Barn School.
We think you need these skills to ace Sen Teaching Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for supporting children with SEN shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about making a difference in their lives!
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have working with children or young people with SEND or SEMH needs. We love seeing how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your skills and experiences are easy to understand. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Equitas Group
✨Know Your SEN Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Special Educational Needs (SEN) and Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. Familiarise yourself with common strategies used in the classroom, like trauma-informed practices and behaviour support plans. This will show that you're not just passionate but also well-informed about the role.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
During the interview, be ready to share examples of how you've supported children or young people with additional needs in the past. Highlight your ability to stay calm and patient in challenging situations. This is crucial for a role where emotional regulation and building trust are key.
✨Team Player Vibes
Collaboration is essential in this role, so be prepared to discuss how you work with teachers, therapists, and other staff. Share specific instances where teamwork led to positive outcomes for pupils. This will demonstrate your commitment to creating a supportive learning environment.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions! Inquire about the school's approach to supporting pupils with SEMH needs or how they implement behaviour plans. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the school’s values align with yours.