At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people with special needs through creative, one-to-one mentoring in their homes and communities.
- Company: Join SENse Learning, a passionate team dedicated to transforming education for SEND learners.
- Benefits: Earn £18-£23 per hour with flexible hours and meaningful work that makes a real difference.
- Other info: Ongoing hiring with interviews scheduled as applications come in; apply now to start making an impact!
- Why this job: Be part of a mission to empower young people and help them thrive outside traditional education.
- Qualifications: Experience with children with complex needs and a creative, child-centred approach required.
The predicted salary is between 18 - 23 £ per hour.
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! You can begin to work in an impact‑first role with SENse Learning. 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: Flexible 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
At SENse Learning, you will join a community of like‑minded individuals dedicated to forward‑thinking approaches to supporting SEND Learners; be part of a team that believes in shaping a brighter future for every student.
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 Special Educational Needs and Disabilities and those with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs. We are increasingly supporting children and young people with Moderate Learning Difficulties, Severe Learning Difficulties, and 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!
Applying
- Apply in less than 5 minutes via our mobile and browser‑optimised application form
- Interviews are being scheduled on a rolling basis – apply now and start making a difference!
- We welcome mentors from all backgrounds – our learners come from diverse communities and our organisation must reflect and represent their experiences
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 — Thatcham employer: SENse Learning
SENse Learning is an exceptional employer, offering a fulfilling opportunity for passionate mentors to make a real impact in the lives of young people with special educational needs. With competitive pay, flexible working hours, and a supportive community, you will thrive in a culture that values creativity and personal growth while delivering meaningful, one-to-one mentoring outside traditional classroom settings. Join us in shaping a brighter future for every student and enjoy the unique advantage of working closely with families and communities in Thatcham.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEN Teaching Assistant — Thatcham
✨Tip Number 1
Get your networking game on! Reach out to people in the education sector, especially those involved with SEN. You never know who might have a lead on a position or can give you insider tips on landing that Teaching Assistant role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion during interviews! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your enthusiasm for supporting young people shine through. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Be flexible and open-minded! The role of a SEN Teaching Assistant can vary greatly, so being adaptable to different needs and environments will make you stand out. Highlight your willingness to work in homes and community settings during your discussions.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s quick and easy, and we’re constantly reviewing applications. The sooner you apply, the sooner you can start making a real impact in the lives of young people who need it most.
We think you need these skills to ace SEN Teaching Assistant — Thatcham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you and how your unique experiences can make a difference in the lives of young people.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience with children or young people with complex needs. Show us how your background aligns with our mission at SENse Learning!
Show Your Passion:We’re looking for mentors who are genuinely passionate about making an impact. Use your application to express why you care about supporting SEND learners and how you plan to contribute to their growth.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply via our mobile and browser-optimised application form on our website. It’s quick and easy, and we’re excited to see your application come through!
How to prepare for a job interview at SENse Learning
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a SEN Teaching Assistant inside out. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of children with complex additional needs and think about how your experience aligns with the job description. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Showcase Your Creativity
Since this role involves delivering creative and interest-based activities, be prepared to share examples of how you've used innovative approaches in your previous work. Think about specific instances where you adapted your methods to meet individual needs and how that made a difference.
✨Build Rapport
During the interview, demonstrate your ability to build strong relationships with young people. Share stories that highlight your interpersonal skills and your understanding of emotional regulation. This will show that you can connect with students on a personal level, which is crucial for this role.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of the interview. This could be about the support systems in place for mentors or how the organisation measures success in their mentoring programmes. Asking questions not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.
