Special Educational Needs Teaching Assistant in Reading

A welcoming and inclusive primary school within Reading Borough is seeking a committed and compassionate Special Educational Needs Teaching Assistant (SEN TA) to join its established SEN support team. This is a highly rewarding role for an individual who understands the importance of patience, structure, and empathy when supporting children with additional learning needs. The successful SEN Teaching Assistant will help pupils build confidence, regulate emotions, develop independence, and feel safe within the school environment.

The school is situated in a well-connected area of Reading and serves a diverse local community. Inclusion is a core part of the school's identity, and SEN provision is embedded across the entire school rather than isolated to one setting or classroom. The senior leadership team works closely with the SENCO to ensure that pupils with additional needs receive consistent, high-quality support.

SEN Teaching Assistants are valued professionals within the school and are actively involved in planning, review meetings, and discussions around pupil progress and wellbeing. The school offers:

• A calm, structured, and supportive learning environment
• A dedicated and experienced SENCO
• Clear behaviour and safeguarding policies
• Strong collaboration between teachers, SEN staff, and external professionals
• Regular training and development opportunities for support staff
• Staff wellbeing is taken seriously, and new team members are supported through clear expectations, guidance, and mentoring.

In this role, you will support pupils with a range of special educational needs, which may include:

• Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC)
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs
• Speech, language, and communication difficulties
• Sensory processing challenges
• Learning delays and developmental differences

Support may be provided on a one-to-one basis or in small group interventions, depending on individual pupil needs and the structure of the school day. Some pupils may require consistent support throughout the day, while others may need targeted assistance during specific lessons or activities.

As an SEN Teaching Assistant, your responsibilities will include:

• Providing tailored, consistent support to pupils with SEN
• Supporting pupils to access the curriculum and participate in lessons
• Working closely with the class teacher to adapt learning materials and approaches
• Implementing strategies outlined in EHCPs and individual support plans
• Supporting pupils with emotional regulation and behaviour management
• Encouraging positive communication and social interaction
• Assisting with transitions between lessons and school activities
• Supporting pupils during break times and lunchtime when required
• Monitoring progress and recording observations
• Providing feedback to teachers, SENCOs, and other professionals
• Supporting personal care needs where necessary, always with dignity and respect
• Promoting independence while maintaining appropriate levels of support

You will be expected to build strong, trusting relationships with pupils while maintaining professional boundaries and consistent expectations.

The school is seeking an SEN Teaching Assistant who is:

• Patient, empathetic, and emotionally resilient
• Passionate about supporting children with additional needs
• Calm and confident when managing challenging behaviour
• Flexible and adaptable in a fast-paced school environment
• A strong communicator who works well as part of a team

Previous experience working with children with SEN is highly desirable, whether in a school, specialist provision, care setting, or youth work environment. However, applicants with transferable skills and a strong commitment to SEN support are also encouraged to apply.

Essential skills and qualities include:

• A basic understanding of SEN and inclusive practice
• Ability to remain calm under pressure
• Strong observation and reporting skills
• Confidence following behaviour and support plans
• Willingness to learn and engage in ongoing training
• A proactive and solution-focused approach
• A strong commitment to safeguarding and child welfare

Formal SEN qualifications are not essential, as training and support will be provided.

The school is committed to developing its SEN staff and offers:

• Regular SEN-focused training sessions
• Safeguarding and behaviour management courses
• Support and mentoring from experienced SEN professionals
• Opportunities to progress into senior SEN TA or specialist support roles

This role is particularly well suited to individuals considering future careers in teaching, educational psychology, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, or child and adolescent mental health services.

Reading Borough has a strong focus on inclusive education and SEND provision. The area offers a diverse range of schools and excellent opportunities for professional development. Working in Reading provides valuable experience supporting pupils from a wide range of backgrounds and with varied needs.

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All successful applicants will be required to undertake enhanced DBS checks, provide suitable references, and follow safeguarding procedures.

If you are a compassionate and dedicated individual who wants to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children with special educational needs, we encourage you to apply for this SEN Teaching Assistant role in Reading Borough.