At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide one-to-one support for a non-verbal child with special educational needs.
- Company: Welcoming and inclusive infant school in New Malden.
- Benefits: Earn up to £550 per week, free training, and permanent pay after 12 weeks.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a child's life while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEN children and a passion for helping them succeed.
- Other info: Join a caring team dedicated to nurturing confident and independent learners.
Location: New Malden
Contract: Full-time, Fixed Term (December 1st, 2025 – July 2026)
Start Date: December 1st, 2025
About the School
We are a welcoming and inclusive infant school in the heart of New Malden, dedicated to nurturing happy, confident, and independent learners. Our staff work closely together to create a supportive environment where every child is valued and encouraged to achieve their full potential. We pride ourselves on our caring ethos, strong community links, and commitment to providing high-quality early education for all pupils, including those with additional needs.
Role and Responsibilities
We are seeking an experienced and compassionate Teaching Assistant to provide one-to-one support for a non-verbal child with special educational needs (SEN) for the remainder of the academic year. In this role, you will:
- Provide consistent one-to-one support to enable the child to access all areas of the curriculum.
- Implement communication strategies such as PECS, Makaton or other visual and sensory tools.
- Work collaboratively with the class teacher, SENCo and external specialists to deliver personalised support plans.
- Encourage the child’s social, emotional and academic development in a nurturing and structured way.
- Promote independence, confidence and positive behaviour through patience, encouragement and clear communication.
About You
We are looking for someone who:
- Has proven experience supporting children with SEN, ideally in an early years or infant school setting.
- Understands the needs of non-verbal or minimally verbal children and uses creative, inclusive approaches to communication.
- Is caring, calm and flexible, with the ability to build trusting relationships with children and staff alike.
- Is committed to teamwork and to supporting the wider life of the school.
- Has a genuine passion for helping children flourish and succeed.
Why Horizon Teachers
- We offer our support staff the highest rates up to £550 per week!
- Horizon Teachers is committed to ensuring our staff are happy in their roles.
- We offer free online Safeguarding Training Course to support you in your work in an educational setting!
- You will be paid the permanent equivalent for the job after 12 weeks, in many cases from day one.
As part of the registration process you will be required to have a DBS Check carried out and all original relevant qualifications will need to be sighted and copied before any work placement.
Teaching Assistant in New Malden employer: Operam Education
Contact Detail:
Operam Education Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Teaching Assistant in New Malden
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector, especially those who work with children with special educational needs. They might know of opportunities or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to supporting non-verbal children. Think about your experiences and how they align with the role. We want you to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! If you have experience with communication strategies like PECS or Makaton, be ready to discuss how you've used them effectively in past roles. This will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s super easy and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way in landing that Teaching Assistant role.
We think you need these skills to ace Teaching Assistant in New Malden
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience with non-verbal children and SEN. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on sharing relevant examples!
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for supporting children shine through! We love to see candidates who are genuinely passionate about helping kids flourish, so share your motivations and what drives you in this field.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your sentences are easy to read and your key points stand out. This helps us get a quick grasp of your qualifications!
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. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Operam Education
✨Know Your SEN Strategies
Familiarise yourself with communication strategies like PECS and Makaton. Be ready to discuss how you've used these or similar tools in past roles to support non-verbal children. This shows your understanding of the specific needs of the child you'll be working with.
✨Showcase Your Compassion
During the interview, share examples that highlight your caring nature and ability to build trusting relationships. Talk about times when you’ve successfully supported a child’s emotional and social development, as this aligns perfectly with the school's ethos.
✨Teamwork is Key
Emphasise your experience working collaboratively with teachers and specialists. Prepare to discuss how you’ve contributed to personalised support plans in the past, showcasing your commitment to teamwork and the wider school community.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations with a non-verbal child. Think through potential scenarios beforehand and prepare your responses, focusing on patience, encouragement, and clear communication to promote independence and positive behaviour.