At a Glance
- Tasks: Support a Key Stage 1 pupil with PDA in a nurturing, play-based environment.
- Company: Specialist SEN school in Wolverhampton with a supportive team.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate and valuable experience in SEN support.
- Other info: Immediate start available; no prior experience required.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a child's educational journey and emotional wellbeing.
- Qualifications: Patience, creativity, and a passion for supporting children with additional needs.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
Wolverhampton Full-Time | Term-Time Role | Immediate Start Available
Are you a caring, creative, and playful Teaching Assistant looking for a rewarding role in Special Educational Needs (SEN)? We are recruiting for a KS1 Teaching Assistant to support a young pupil with a PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) profile within a specialist school setting in Wolverhampton. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with a passion for SEN support, autism awareness, and child-centred learning approaches.
About the SEN Teaching Assistant Role
You will work on a 1:1 basis alongside an experienced TA, supporting a Key Stage 1 pupil who is re-engaging with education after time away from school. The approach is low-demand, relationship-led, and play-based, focusing on emotional wellbeing rather than structured academic expectations.
Key responsibilities include:
- Supporting a pupil with PDA and autism-related needs
- Creating a calm, safe, and enjoyable school environment
- Delivering low-pressure, child-led activities and play-based learning
- Building trust and supporting emotional regulation
- Working collaboratively within a specialist SEN team
- Adapting your approach to meet individual needs and communication styles
Ideal Candidate - SEN Teaching Assistant (PDA Support)
We are looking for someone who is:
- Patient, nurturing, and naturally playful
- Experienced or interested in SEN, SEND, Autism, or PDA strategies
- Comfortable working in a low-demand, non-directive environment
- Able to build strong relationships and rapport quickly
- Flexible, calm, and responsive to changing needs
- A team player with a genuine passion for supporting children with additional needs
Previous experience as a Teaching Assistant, SEN TA, Learning Support Assistant, or Support Worker is desirable but not essential.
Why Apply for This Teaching Assistant Job?
- Rewarding opportunity in a specialist SEN school setting
- Supportive and experienced team environment
- Opportunity to gain experience in PDA, autism, and trauma-informed practice
- Make a real impact on a child's confidence, wellbeing, and school journey
- Competitive daily rate (depending on experience)
KS1 Teaching Assistant - SEN / SEND (PDA Support) Wolverhampton employer: Hays Specialist Recruitment - Education
Join a supportive and nurturing environment in Wolverhampton, where your role as a KS1 Teaching Assistant will make a meaningful impact on the lives of children with Special Educational Needs. Our specialist school prioritises emotional wellbeing and child-centred learning, offering you the chance to work alongside experienced professionals while developing your skills in SEN support. With a focus on collaboration and flexibility, this position provides a rewarding opportunity to grow within a passionate team dedicated to making a difference.
Contact Details:
Hays Specialist Recruitment - Education Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land KS1 Teaching Assistant - SEN / SEND (PDA Support) Wolverhampton
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school and its values before your interview. Research their approach to SEN and how they support pupils with PDA. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to SEN support. Think about specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your patience and creativity in working with children.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss your understanding of PDA and autism. Show that you’re not just aware of these conditions but also passionate about using child-centred approaches to support students effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance at landing that job!
We think you need these skills to ace KS1 Teaching Assistant - SEN / SEND (PDA Support) Wolverhampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for SEN:When writing your application, let your passion for Special Educational Needs shine through. Share any experiences or insights you have about working with children with autism or PDA, as this will show us that you're genuinely interested in the role.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the job description. We want to see how you can adapt your approach to meet individual needs, so be specific about your relevant experiences.
Keep It Personal and Engaging:Use a friendly and approachable tone in your written application. We’re looking for someone who is nurturing and playful, so let your personality come through! This will help us get a sense of who you are beyond just your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays Specialist Recruitment - Education
✨Know Your SEN Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Special Educational Needs, particularly PDA and autism. Familiarise yourself with strategies that work well in low-demand environments, as this will show your understanding and commitment to the role.
✨Show Your Playful Side
Since the role involves a playful approach to learning, think of examples from your past experiences where you've used creativity and play to engage children. Be ready to share these stories during the interview to demonstrate your suitability for the position.
✨Build Rapport Quickly
During the interview, focus on how you can build relationships with children. Share techniques you’ve used in the past to connect with students, especially those with additional needs. This will highlight your ability to create a safe and trusting environment.
✨Be Flexible and Calm
Prepare to discuss how you handle changing situations and adapt your approach based on individual needs. Interviewers will be looking for your ability to remain calm and responsive, so have some examples ready that showcase your flexibility in challenging scenarios.
