SEN Teaching Assistant

SEN Teaching Assistant

Full-Time 24000 - 36000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support a primary-aged child with complex needs in their learning journey.
  • Company: Join an outstanding primary school in South Woodford, known for its inclusive environment.
  • Benefits: Enjoy ongoing training, professional development, and a supportive team atmosphere.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in a child's life while working in a rewarding and nurturing role.
  • Qualifications: Experience with SEN is preferred; training in communication strategies can be provided.
  • Other info: This is a temporary position with potential for permanence; DBS checks required.

The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.

Looking for a role where you’re more than an extra pair of hands?

Want to apply Read all the information about this position below, then hit the apply button.

We’re working with a welcoming secondary school in Bristol who are looking for experienced SEN Teaching Assistants to support children with a range of additional needs. These are roles where patience, empathy and consistency really matter, and where the right support can change a child’s whole school experience. This is a long-term role, so a great opportunity to build your experience and become a real asset to a school\’s community.

The role

As an SEN Teaching Assistant, you’ll be supporting pupils either 1:1 or within small groups, helping them feel safe, understood and ready to learn.

Day rates starting from £90 a day

Up to £110 per day for candidates who impress in school trials, depending on experience and qualifications

Full time, long-term role with temp-to-perm potential

Immediate and ongoing starts available

You’ll be working closely with teachers, SENCOs and support teams to help pupils access learning, manage emotions and build confidence in the classroom.

Who we’re looking for

You don’t need to tick every box, but the strongest candidates usually have:

Experience supporting children with SEN, either 1:1 or in class

Training or experience in Makaton, PECS or Team Teach (great to have, not essential – we can provide Team Teach training)

A genuine passion for working with children with additional needs

A calm, patient and proactive approach

Strong communication skills and a team-first mindset

Commitment and reliability, schools value consistency

If you’ve worked in education, care, youth work or support roles and love helping children thrive, this could be a great fit.

Why work with Protocol Education?

We keep things simple, supportive and personal.

Weekly pay through PAYE, no umbrella companies

FREE access to our online CPD Academy

Ongoing support from a dedicated local consultant

Opportunities across mainstream, SEND and specialist settings

Streamlined registration and quick school placements

Access to wellbeing and SEMH-focused training, including Thrive (free to our educators)

We match you with schools that value support staff properly, not just plug gaps.

If you’re ready to step into a role where your work genuinely matters, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now and let’s find you a school where you can do your best work.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQs on the Protocol Education website for further details.

All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.

Protocol Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with the DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’, this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.

We offer FREE online safeguarding and Prevent Duty training to all our workers. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and subscribe to the DBS Update Service. xiskglj

Full assistance provided. For details of our privacy policy, please see visit the Protocol Education website

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Contact Detail:

Protocol Education Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land SEN Teaching Assistant

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of children with SEN, especially those with mobility and communication challenges. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your understanding during any interviews or discussions.

✨Tip Number 2

Consider volunteering or gaining experience in similar roles before applying. This hands-on experience can provide you with valuable insights and examples to discuss when you meet with us.

✨Tip Number 3

Network with professionals in the field of special education. Attend local workshops or seminars to connect with others who share your passion, as they may have insights or tips that could help you stand out.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare to discuss your approach to personal care and support during the interview. Think about scenarios where you've successfully supported someone in need, as this will showcase your suitability for the role.

We think you need these skills to ace SEN Teaching Assistant

Experience with Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Strong communication skills
Non-verbal communication strategies (e.g., PECS, Makaton)
Patience and empathy
Ability to provide personal care support
Collaboration with teachers and therapists
Adaptability to individual learning needs
Reliability and consistency
Understanding of mobility challenges
Commitment to safeguarding and child welfare
Positive behaviour management techniques
Ability to create a safe and inclusive environment
Observation and assessment skills
Professional development in SEN practices

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience working with children who have special educational needs. Include specific examples of how you've supported children with mobility challenges or communication needs.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for supporting children with additional needs. Mention any relevant training or skills, such as knowledge of PECS or Makaton, and express your commitment to creating a safe and inclusive learning environment.

Highlight Soft Skills: In your application, emphasise your soft skills like patience, reliability, and strong communication abilities. These are crucial for the role of a SEN Teaching Assistant and will help you stand out.

Prepare for Potential Questions: Think about possible interview questions related to your experience with SEN. Be ready to discuss how you would handle specific scenarios, such as providing personal care or supporting a child during challenging moments.

How to prepare for a job interview at Protocol Education

✨Show Your Passion for SEN

Make sure to express your genuine passion for supporting children with special educational needs. Share any personal experiences or motivations that led you to pursue this role, as it will resonate well with the interviewers.

✨Demonstrate Patience and Understanding

During the interview, highlight your ability to remain calm and patient in challenging situations. Provide examples of how you've successfully supported children with complex needs in the past, showcasing your understanding of their unique requirements.

✨Familiarise Yourself with Communication Strategies

Even if you haven't used specific communication strategies like PECS or Makaton before, it's beneficial to show your willingness to learn. Mention any relevant training or workshops you've attended, and express your eagerness to develop these skills further.

✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers

Think of thoughtful questions to ask the interviewers about the school's approach to SEN support. This shows your interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute effectively to the team.

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