At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people with special educational needs through creative, one-to-one mentoring.
- Company: Join SENse Learning, a passionate team dedicated to transforming education for young people.
- Benefits: Earn £18-£23 per hour with flexible hours and meaningful work opportunities.
- Other info: Ongoing hiring with a supportive team and community events.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in students' lives while working in their homes and communities.
- Qualifications: Experience with children with complex needs and a creative, child-centred approach.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 48000 € per year.
You can make a difference, support creatively, and work within a more fulfilling and rewarding career. SENse Learning is offering a unique opportunity for passionate mentors to make a real impact! Our SEN Teaching Assistant roles allow you to provide one-to-one mentoring and learning support for the most in-need young people, working across a variety of specialisms as an Education Assistant, Education Mentor, and Learning Support Mentor. Multiple positions are available, hiring is ongoing, and interviews are being arranged as applications are received.
What makes this SEN Teaching Assistant role right for you: Imagine a role where you can deliver support to a young person in a way that works for them. Not based in the classroom, but in students’ homes and out in the community, delivering interest-based, holistic sessions of learning set to the needs of the individual. Mentoring is not limited to academic subjects; it is about building confidence, encouraging emotional regulation, and supporting the development of key life skills alongside education.
The Benefits We Offer Our SEN Teaching Assistant
- Competitive pay: £18 – £23 per hour
- Flexible working: Craft your own schedule with in-person, hybrid, and community-based support opportunities, agreeing session times with parents, carers, or schools
- Flexible hours: Part‑time up to full‑time hours, arranged in consultation with clients and schools to suit your schedule
- Meaningful work: Support young people who are often excluded or disengaged from traditional education
- Pastoral and Pathways Support: SENse Learning keeps a team around you and the child
- Community and Company Events: Knowledge sharing and resources
- Referral Programme: Get rewarded for successful tutor referrals
SEN Teaching Assistant Role Requirements
- Experience: At least 2 years of experience working with children or young people with complex additional needs (e.g. ASC, ADHD, SEMH, EBSA, trauma, PDA, mental health)
- Background: Ideal for Support Workers, Learning Support Assistants (LSAs), Teaching Assistants (TAs), Higher‑Level TAs, Youth Workers, Personal Assistants (PAs), or those with other relevant care or education backgrounds
- Approach: Understanding of how to work in a child‑centred, holistic way; you will have the ingenuity and creativity to make the curriculum work in an individual, student‑centred way
- Compliance: Enhanced DBS (we can facilitate this if needed) and 2+ professional references
- Location: You must be based in the UK with the right to work in the UK, even for remote / online jobs
- Safeguarding: Knowledge of safeguarding and creating a safe learning environment
The SEN Teaching Assistant Role And Responsibilities
- Develop strong, positive relationships with children and young people who may have faced significant challenges in previous education settings
- Provide one-to-one support in homes and community settings, delivering creative and interest‑based activities
- Support the development of life skills, confidence, and independence
- Use trauma‑informed approaches and flexible strategies to support a wide range of additional needs
- Understand the importance of emotional regulation and implement strategies to model and encourage this
- Provide feedback and reflections to track progress and adapt support where needed
At SENse Learning, we are on a mission to raise the standard of education for young people with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities), as well as those with SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health) needs. We are increasingly supporting children and young people with MLD (Moderate Learning Difficulties), SLD (Severe Learning Difficulties), and PMLD (Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties). We passionately believe in the transformative power of education, and through bespoke, one‑to‑one lessons, our dedicated team makes a positive impact on students’ lives every day. Join us and be part of our mission!
We take Safer Recruitment seriously. All candidates must pass through our safer recruitment process to ensure their suitability to work with children and young people.
SEN Teaching Assistant Employment Status
This position involves engaging with us as a self‑employed mentor. We provide guidance/signposting on accessing resources to register as self‑employed if you are not registered already. This is not a PAYE position.
Relevant Job Titles / Previous Experience
- Individuals with highly relevant experience from teaching background often have worked in the following roles:
- SENDCo (Special Education Needs Coordinator)
- SLD / MLD Teacher
- Autism / ADHD Support Teacher
- Intervention Specialist / Teacher / Tutor
- Ex‑Teacher
- Other highly relevant roles from therapeutic and learning support background include:
- Learning Support Assistant (LSA) / Teaching Assistant (TA)
- Educational Therapist
- Speech and Language Therapist (SALT)
- Educational Psychologist (EP)
- Inclusion Coordinator
If you hold one of these roles, meet our requirements, and are considering a career change please do consider applying with us. Due to the number of applications we receive, we are unable to respond to every applicant. We aim to respond to all successful applicants within two weeks.
SEN Teaching Assistant — Dunstable employer: SENse Learning
At SENse Learning, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of young people with special educational needs. Our flexible working arrangements allow you to craft your own schedule while providing one-to-one support in community settings, fostering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises personal growth and professional development. Join us in our mission to transform education and enjoy competitive pay, community events, and a strong network of pastoral support as you help shape the future of our students.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEN Teaching Assistant — Dunstable
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on SENse Learning. Understand their mission and values, and think about how your experience aligns with what they’re all about. This will help you stand out and show that you’re genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through some common interview questions related to SEN teaching and mentoring. Think about specific examples from your past experiences that highlight your skills in supporting young people with additional needs. We want you to feel confident when it’s your turn to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! During the interview, let your enthusiasm for working with children and young people come through. Talk about why you love mentoring and how you can make a difference in their lives. Remember, they’re looking for someone who’s not just qualified but also truly cares.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your appreciation for the opportunity and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate your excitement about the role and how you can contribute to their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace SEN Teaching Assistant — Dunstable
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for supporting young people shine through in your application. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in their lives!
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience with children or young people who have complex needs. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your skills and approach.
Be Creative:Since the role involves delivering creative and interest-based sessions, don’t hesitate to share any innovative ideas you have for engaging young learners. We love fresh perspectives!
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and get back to you quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at SENse Learning
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the specific needs of children with complex additional needs. Brush up on your knowledge of ASC, ADHD, SEMH, and other relevant areas. This will show that you're not just passionate but also well-informed about the challenges these young people face.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to share specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your ability to support young people. Whether it’s a creative activity you implemented or a strategy that helped a child build confidence, concrete examples will make your experience stand out.
✨Emphasise Your Approach
Highlight your child-centred, holistic approach during the interview. Discuss how you adapt your methods to meet individual needs and how you use trauma-informed strategies. This will resonate well with the values of SENse Learning.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the role and the organisation. Inquire about their mentoring strategies, community involvement, or how they support their staff. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
