At a Glance
- Tasks: Support pupils with complex needs and challenging behaviour in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Specialist primary SEN school focused on high-needs pupils.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, supportive leadership, and small class sizes.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEN, particularly Autism and challenging behaviour.
- Other info: Join a dedicated team with excellent transport links and a focus on staff wellbeing.
The predicted salary is between 22800 - 28800 £ per year.
Primary SEN Teaching Assistant – Full Time (Complex Needs Support)
Location: B34
Pay: £95 – £120 per day (dependent on experience)
Contract: Full-time, Monday–Friday until end of academic year
Smile Education is supporting a specialist primary SEN school in B34 seeking a highly experienced SEN Teaching Assistant to support pupils with complex needs and very challenging behaviour. This is a demanding but incredibly rewarding role supporting children with Autism, SEMH, communication difficulties and trauma-related behaviours. The successful candidate must be resilient, proactive and confident in managing dysregulated behaviour safely and professionally.
The Role
- Provide 1:1 and small group support to pupils with complex SEN
- Support pupils with emotional regulation and behaviour management
- Implement structured routines and behaviour support plans
- Assist the class teacher in delivering differentiated learning activities
- Use visual timetables, sensory strategies and communication tools (PECS/Makaton desirable)
- Support personal care if required
- Record and report on behaviour, progress and wellbeing
- Maintain a calm, consistent and nurturing presence
- Promote safeguarding and inclusion at all times
About the School
- Specialist primary provision for high-needs pupils
- Small class sizes with high staff-to-pupil ratios
- Behaviour support team in place
- Therapeutic and sensory learning environments
- Supportive leadership team who value staff wellbeing
- Excellent transport links
Requirements
- Minimum 6–12 months SEN experience (complex needs essential)
- Experience supporting Autism and challenging behaviour
- Confident using de-escalation techniques
- Team Teach or physical intervention training desirable
- Resilient, patient and emotionally strong
- Professional and committed to full-time consistency
- Enhanced DBS (or willing to apply)
- Minimum 2 references (one must comment on work with children)
This role would suit someone who understands that relationship-building, structure and patience are key when supporting pupils with significant additional needs. If you are passionate about making a real difference in a specialist setting, apply now for this SEN Teaching Assistant opportunity in B34. We are committed to safeguarding children. Each applicant will be expected to undertake compliance checks including Prohibited list, Barred list, DBS and Qualifications.
SEN TA Primary employer: Smile Education Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Smile Education Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SEN TA Primary
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector, especially those who work with SEN. They might know of openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to SEN roles. Think about your experiences and how they relate to supporting children with complex needs. We want you to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! If you have experience with specific strategies like PECS or Makaton, be ready to discuss them. We love seeing candidates who are proactive and knowledgeable.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals ready to make a difference in SEN education.
We think you need these skills to ace SEN TA Primary
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience with complex needs and challenging behaviour. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant experience!
Showcase Your Resilience: This role is all about supporting pupils with significant additional needs, so let us know how you've demonstrated resilience in past roles. Share specific examples where you’ve successfully managed difficult situations or behaviours.
Highlight Your Skills: Mention any specific techniques or tools you’re familiar with, like PECS or Makaton. We love seeing candidates who are proactive and confident in using various strategies to support emotional regulation and behaviour management.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you one step closer to making a difference in our school!
How to prepare for a job interview at Smile Education Recruitment
✨Know Your SEN Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of complex needs, especially Autism and SEMH. Be ready to discuss specific strategies you've used in the past to support children with challenging behaviour. This shows you're not just familiar with the theory but have practical experience too.
✨Showcase Your Resilience
In this role, resilience is key. Prepare examples from your previous experiences where you successfully managed dysregulated behaviour or supported a child through a tough time. Highlighting your ability to stay calm and consistent will impress the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
This position involves working closely with teachers and other staff. Be ready to talk about how you collaborate with others to create a supportive learning environment. Mention any experience you have with implementing behaviour support plans or using communication tools like PECS or Makaton.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the school's approach to safeguarding and inclusion, or how they support staff wellbeing. This shows that you’re genuinely interested in the role and the school’s values.