At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide emotional support to a child with PANDAS in a nurturing school environment.
- Company: Welcoming primary academy in Twickenham, known for its inclusive ethos.
- Benefits: Negotiable salary, full-time role, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Opportunity for personal growth while working collaboratively with dedicated professionals.
- Why this job: Join a caring community and support a child's wellbeing and engagement.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEND and a calm, empathetic approach required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 33483 £ per year.
Start Date: September 2026
Location: Twickenham
Contract: Full-time
Salary: Negotiable, depending on experience
About the role and school
We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated SEND Support Assistant to join a welcoming primary school from September 2026. This full-time role offers the opportunity to provide meaningful pastoral support to a child with a diagnosis of PANDAS, helping them feel safe, understood and able to engage positively within the school environment. The school is a well-established and highly regarded primary academy in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, known for its inclusive ethos, nurturing environment and strong commitment to pupil wellbeing.
The successful SEND Support Assistant will provide dedicated support for a child with a diagnosis of PANDAS, presenting with needs similar to a PDA profile of autism and emotional regulation challenges. This role is entirely pastoral in nature and requires a trusted adult who can build a secure relationship with the child, support emotional regulation and provide consistency throughout the school day. You will not be responsible for the child's learning or academic interventions.
This SEND Support Assistant position would suit someone with a calm, patient and empathetic approach who has experience supporting children with complex SEND needs. It is an excellent opportunity to make a genuine difference in a child's daily school experience while becoming part of a supportive and caring school community.
Job Responsibilities
- Build a positive, trusting and consistent relationship with the child throughout the school day
- Provide pastoral and emotional support tailored to the child's individual needs and regulation strategies
- Support the child in managing transitions, routines and moments of anxiety or dysregulation
- Work collaboratively with the class teacher, SEND team and external professionals to ensure consistent support approaches
- Implement agreed strategies to promote emotional wellbeing, engagement and a sense of safety within the school environment
- Maintain accurate records and communicate effectively with relevant staff regarding the child's wellbeing and progress
Qualifications / Experience
- SEND experience working in a specialist setting
- Experience supporting children with diagnosis of PANDAS or PDA, or something similar
- Strong SEND knowledge relevant to the role
- Enhanced DBS Certificate with the Update Service
- Right to work in the UK
Next steps
If this SEND Support Assistant position sounds of interest, or you would like to find out more information, please contact Carly at Teach Plus. Alternatively, please click 'apply' and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Specialist SEN Teaching Assistant in Twickenham employer: Teach Plus Limited
Join a highly regarded primary academy in Twickenham, where you will be part of a nurturing and inclusive environment dedicated to pupil wellbeing. As a Specialist SEN Teaching Assistant, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on a child's life while benefiting from a supportive work culture that values compassion and collaboration. With a strong commitment to employee growth and development, this role offers a rewarding career path in a community-focused school setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Specialist SEN Teaching Assistant in Twickenham
✨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 Teach Plus Limited.
✨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 Teach Plus Limited!
✨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 Teach Plus Limited, 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 Teach Plus Limited 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 Specialist SEN Teaching Assistant in Twickenham
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 Teach Plus Limited:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Teach Plus Limited! 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 Teach Plus Limited
✨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.
