Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support pre-verbal autistic children in a nurturing, sensory-focused environment.
- Company: Join a vibrant primary school in Hackney, dedicated to inclusivity and community.
- Benefits: Enjoy ongoing training, career development, and a supportive leadership team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives while working in a collaborative team.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEND is essential; be proactive, compassionate, and eager to learn.
- Other info: Full-time role starting immediately, lasting until July 2026.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
SEN Teaching Assistant
Primary School – Specialist SEND Unit
Full-time
Start Date: September
Contract: Ongoing until July 2026
A welcoming one-form-entry primary school in Hackney is seeking an experienced SEN Teaching Assistant to join their specialist SEND unit. This is a full-time role with an immediate start, continuing until the end of the 2025–2026 academic year.
The Role
As an SEN Teaching Assistant, you will be working within a high-needs Key Stage 1 provision that supports seven pre-verbal autistic children with complex needs. The role involves working collaboratively with a dedicated team of four adults in a secure, structured environment.
Daily activities are centred around sensory-based interventions such as Attention Bucket sessions, circle time, and both indoor and outdoor play. This is a rewarding opportunity to support pupils’ communication and development in a nurturing and purposeful setting.
The school is looking for an SEN Teaching Assistant who is:
- Proactive and able to use their initiative
- Compassionate and patient, with the ability to build strong relationships with pupils and colleagues
- Curious and collaborative—willing to ask questions, learn, and contribute meaningfully to the team
The School
This vibrant and inclusive primary school is located in Hackney and benefits from excellent transport links. The school serves a culturally and ethnically diverse community and prides itself on creating a learning environment where every child is known, valued, and respected.
The leadership team is experienced and supportive, fostering high expectations and a strong sense of community. Staff are encouraged to grow professionally, with excellent opportunities for ongoing training and career development.
Requirements
- Previous experience supporting students with SEND, ideally in a similar setting
- Availability to start immediately and commit through to July 2026
To apply:
Please send an up-to-date CV as soon as possible if you are interested in this role.
We have a policy to respond to all applications within three working days. However, because of the volume of applications, we are sometimes unable to reply to individual enquiries. If we have not contacted you within this specified time your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion. Philosophy Education is a Recruitment Business and is advertising this vacancy on behalf of one of its clients. #J-18808-Ljbffr
SEN Teaching Assistant in SEN Class Mainstream employer: Philosophy Education
Contact Detail:
Philosophy Education Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SEN Teaching Assistant in SEN Class Mainstream
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of pre-verbal autistic children. Understanding their communication styles and sensory preferences will help you demonstrate your readiness for the role during any interviews or discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your proactive nature by preparing examples of how you've used your initiative in previous roles. Think about times when you’ve contributed to a team or adapted activities to better support students with SEND.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the school’s ethos and values, especially regarding inclusivity and community. Being able to articulate how your personal values align with theirs can make a strong impression during your interactions.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with professionals in the field of special education. Engaging with others who work in similar roles can provide insights and tips that may help you stand out as a candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace SEN Teaching Assistant in SEN Class Mainstream
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in supporting students with SEND. Include specific examples of your work with autistic children and any sensory-based interventions you've implemented.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for working with children with complex needs. Mention your proactive approach, ability to build relationships, and willingness to learn and collaborate with the team.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise skills such as patience, compassion, and initiative. Provide examples of how you've used these skills in previous roles to support students effectively.
Follow Application Instructions: Ensure you send your application as specified in the job listing. Double-check that your CV is up-to-date and formatted correctly before submitting it through our website.
How to prepare for a job interview at Philosophy Education
✨Show Your Passion for SEN
Make sure to express your genuine interest in working with children with special educational needs. Share any personal experiences or motivations that led you to pursue this role, as it will demonstrate your commitment and understanding of the challenges these children face.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Prepare specific examples from your previous roles where you successfully supported students with SEND. Discuss the strategies you used and the outcomes achieved, as this will showcase your practical skills and ability to contribute effectively to the team.
✨Demonstrate Team Collaboration
Since the role involves working closely with a dedicated team, be ready to discuss how you have collaborated with colleagues in the past. Emphasise your ability to communicate openly, share ideas, and support one another in achieving common goals.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the school's approach to supporting children with complex needs. This shows your curiosity and willingness to learn, which aligns with the school's values of collaboration and professional growth.
