SEN Teaching Assistant (Severe & Complex Needs)
SEN Teaching Assistant (Severe & Complex Needs)

SEN Teaching Assistant (Severe & Complex Needs)

Full-Time 22000 - 26000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support pupils with severe learning needs in a compassionate and engaging environment.
  • Company: Specialist SEN school dedicated to holistic education for children with complex needs.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, full training, career progression, and supportive team culture.
  • Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on the lives of children with profound learning difficulties.
  • Qualifications: Experience with complex SEN, strong empathy, and commitment to inclusive education.
  • Other info: Full training provided, with opportunities for ongoing support and development.

The predicted salary is between 22000 - 26000 £ per year.

This position is based at a specialist SEN school in Louth, Lincolnshire, supporting pupils with severe, profound, and multiple learning difficulties (SLD/PMLD). The school caters for children aged 5–16, many of whom have complex medical needs, physical disabilities, autism, and communication challenges. The school adopts a holistic and child-centred approach, focusing on communication, sensory engagement, physical development, and life skills alongside academic learning. Teaching is highly personalised, and progress is measured through engagement, independence, and emotional wellbeing. The school works closely with physiotherapists, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, and medical professionals, creating a multi-disciplinary approach to pupil support.

As a SEN Teaching Assistant (Complex Needs), you will provide direct support to pupils with significant learning and physical needs. You will support pupils throughout the school day, including during lessons, therapy sessions, and personal care routines. This role requires a compassionate, resilient, and proactive individual who is comfortable supporting pupils with high levels of dependency and who understands that progress may be small but deeply meaningful.

Key Responsibilities
  • Provide one-to-one and small group support for pupils with SLD/PMLD
  • Support communication using AAC, symbols, and objects of reference
  • Assist with sensory learning and engagement activities
  • Support mobility, positioning, and physical development
  • Assist with personal care, feeding, and medical routines
  • Support behaviour and emotional regulation
  • Implement EHCP targets and therapy programmes
  • Maintain detailed progress and care records
  • Work collaboratively with teachers and therapists
  • Ensure dignity, safety, and wellbeing at all times
  • Uphold safeguarding, health, and manual handling procedures
Person Specification

The ideal candidate will:

  • Have experience working with complex SEN or disabilities
  • Be comfortable with personal care responsibilities
  • Have strong emotional resilience and empathy
  • Understand non-verbal communication methods
  • Be committed to inclusive education and safeguarding
  • Hold SEN or care-related qualifications (desirable)
Training and Support

The school provides:

  • Full training in complex needs and medical support
  • Manual handling and personal care training
  • Ongoing SEN supervision and mentoring
  • Opportunities for career progression within SEN education
Safeguarding Statement

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Enhanced DBS clearance is required.

SEN Teaching Assistant (Severe & Complex Needs) employer: Marchant Recruitment

Our specialist SEN school in Louth, Lincolnshire, is dedicated to providing a nurturing and inclusive environment for children aged 5-16 with severe, profound, and multiple learning difficulties. We prioritise a holistic approach that fosters communication, sensory engagement, and personal development, ensuring that every child's unique needs are met through tailored support from a multi-disciplinary team. As an employer, we offer a supportive work culture, comprehensive training, and clear pathways for career progression, making it an excellent place for compassionate individuals to grow and make a meaningful impact in the lives of our pupils.
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Contact Detail:

Marchant Recruitment Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land SEN Teaching Assistant (Severe & Complex Needs)

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the SEN education field, attend local events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the school and its approach to SEN. Understand their values and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission. Show them you're not just another candidate; you're genuinely interested in making a difference.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to supporting pupils with complex needs. Use real-life examples from your experience to demonstrate your skills and empathy. This will help you stand out as a compassionate candidate.

✨Tip Number 4

Don't forget to apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find roles that match your passion for SEN education. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team and making a positive impact in the lives of our pupils.

We think you need these skills to ace SEN Teaching Assistant (Severe & Complex Needs)

Experience with complex SEN or disabilities
Personal care responsibilities
Emotional resilience
Empathy
Understanding of non-verbal communication methods
Commitment to inclusive education
Knowledge of safeguarding procedures
Ability to support communication using AAC
Skills in sensory learning and engagement activities
Support for mobility and physical development
Collaboration with teachers and therapists
Record-keeping for progress and care
Implementation of EHCP targets
Manual handling skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Be Yourself: When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for supporting pupils with complex needs.

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience and skills that are relevant to the SEN Teaching Assistant role. Show us how your background aligns with our holistic and child-centred approach!

Show Your Understanding: Demonstrate your understanding of the challenges faced by pupils with severe and complex needs. Mention any specific strategies or methods you’ve used in the past to support communication and engagement.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this rewarding opportunity at our specialist school!

How to prepare for a job interview at Marchant Recruitment

✨Know the Role Inside Out

Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a SEN Teaching Assistant, especially in relation to severe and complex needs. Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges these pupils face and think about how your experience aligns with their needs.

✨Showcase Your Empathy

During the interview, be prepared to discuss your emotional resilience and empathy. Share specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully supported individuals with complex needs, highlighting your ability to connect and communicate effectively.

✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills

This role involves working closely with teachers and therapists, so it's crucial to show that you're a team player. Talk about times when you've collaborated with others to achieve a common goal, especially in educational or care settings.

✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios

Expect to be asked about how you would handle specific situations, such as supporting a pupil during a sensory engagement activity or managing personal care routines. Think through these scenarios beforehand and be ready to explain your approach clearly and confidently.

SEN Teaching Assistant (Severe & Complex Needs)
Marchant Recruitment
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