At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with SEND and SEMH needs in a primary school setting.
- Company: PK Education, dedicated to supporting diverse learning environments.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, career progression, and ongoing training opportunities.
- Other info: Full-time roles available now and for September 2026 starts.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives and help them reach their potential.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEND or SEMH, strong communication skills, and a nurturing approach.
The predicted salary is between 23400 - 29910 £ per year.
PK Education are currently recruiting for a Primary SEND & SEMH Teaching Assistant to support pupils within a specialist Resource Provision based within a primary school in Pontefract.
Role Overview
This rewarding role involves supporting children with a range of additional needs, including:
- SEMH (Social, Emotional & Mental Health)
- Autism (ASC)
- ADHD
- Speech, Language and Communication Needs
- Additional learning needs
Responsibilities
- Support pupils on a 1:1 and small-group basis
- Build positive and trusting relationships
- Promote engagement, emotional regulation and positive behaviour
- Adapt learning activities to meet individual needs
- Work closely with teachers, SENDCOs and wider support staff
We are particularly keen to hear from:
- SEND Teaching Assistants
- SEMH Teaching Assistants
- Behaviour Support Workers
- Learning Support Assistants
- Primary Teaching Assistants with SEND experience
Requirements
- Previous experience supporting children with SEND or SEMH needs
- A patient, resilient and nurturing approach
- Strong communication and behaviour management skills
- Enhanced DBS on the Update Service (or willingness to obtain one)
Full-time opportunities available immediately and for September 2026 starts. If you are passionate about helping children overcome barriers to learning and achieve their potential, we would love to hear from you.
Benefits
- Competitive rates of pay from £98 to £110 per day (AWR compliant)
- Opportunities across specialist SEND schools, resource provisions, alternative provisions and mainstream inclusion settings
- Access to the PK Pathway supporting career progression within SEND through ongoing development and practical school-based experience
- Exposure to trauma-informed practice, behaviour intervention, autism support and complex SEND environments
- On-the-job training and support provided by both the school and experienced SEND education consultants
- Long-term and permanent opportunities available for candidates looking to build a career within Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
- Dedicated 24/7 support and honest feedback from specialist SEND consultants who understand the sector and school demand
PK Education is committed to embracing equal opportunities and diversity for all employees, workers and applicants and adheres to this policy at all times.
SEND & SEMH Teaching Assistant EFYS-KS2 Sept 2026 employer: PK Education
PK Education is an exceptional employer for those passionate about supporting children with additional needs, offering a nurturing work culture in Pontefract. With competitive pay rates and a commitment to professional development through the PK Pathway, employees benefit from ongoing training and support, ensuring meaningful career growth in the SEND sector. The company values diversity and provides a supportive environment where staff can thrive while making a positive impact on students' lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEND & SEMH Teaching Assistant EFYS-KS2 Sept 2026
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at PK Education.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from PK Education!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like PK Education, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at PK Education or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace SEND & SEMH Teaching Assistant EFYS-KS2 Sept 2026
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to PK Education:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to PK Education! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at PK Education
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
