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- Tasks: Support a student with additional needs in the classroom and help them thrive.
- Company: Join Teaching Personnel, the UK's leading education recruitment agency with over 25 years of experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, free training, and clear career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a young person's life while gaining valuable experience in education.
- Qualifications: Ideal for experienced TAs or graduates in psychology or education with strong communication skills.
- Other info: Part-time role (3-4 days per week) with potential for permanent positions.
1:1 Teaching Assistant – Primary School (SEN Support)
Location: Hedge End, Southampton
Are you caring, patient and looking for a role where you can make a real difference every day?
We’re looking for a warm and supportive 1:1 Teaching Assistant to work with children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) , including pupils who are non-verbal.
This is a rewarding opportunity to provide one-to-one support, helping children feel supported as they engage with daily school life.
About the Role
- Pay rate: £13.75 per hour
- Working hours: 8:30am – 3:30pm (term time)
- Contract type: Full-time
- Start date: 23rd February 2026
What We’re Looking For
- At least two years’ employment history
- Experience working with children or in an SEN setting is helpful, but not essential
- A calm, patient, and nurturing approach
- Good communication skills and the ability to work well with pupils and school staff
- A Child DBS on the Update Service , or willingness to apply for one
What We Offer
- A competitive hourly rate
- A fulfilling role where you can see the positive impact of your support
- Valuable experience working with children with SEN and non-verbal communication needs
- Ongoing guidance and support from a friendly recruitment consultant
- Opportunities for long-term or permanent positions
All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for 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.
Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with 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 all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.
For details of our privacy policy, please visit the Teaching Personnel website.
1-1 Teaching assistant employer: Teaching Personnel
Contact Detail:
Teaching Personnel Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land 1-1 Teaching assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of students with SEN. Understanding different types of learning difficulties and how they affect classroom behaviour will help you connect better with the student you'll be supporting.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for education and support during interviews. Share personal experiences or anecdotes that highlight your patience and empathy, as these qualities are crucial for a Teaching Assistant role.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former Teaching Assistants to gain insights into the role. They can provide valuable tips on what schools look for in candidates and how to excel in the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Be prepared to discuss strategies for promoting positive behaviour and social development during your interview. Having concrete examples ready will demonstrate your proactive approach to supporting students.
We think you need these skills to ace 1-1 Teaching assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a 1:1 Teaching Assistant. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of students with SEN and how you can support their learning.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight relevant experience in your CV, especially any work with children or in educational settings. Emphasise skills such as patience, empathy, and communication, which are crucial for this role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for supporting students with additional needs. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in similar roles or situations.
Prepare for Potential Interview Questions: Think about common interview questions for teaching assistant roles, such as how you would handle challenging behaviour or support a student with SEN. Prepare thoughtful responses that reflect your understanding and commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Teaching Personnel
✨Show Your Empathy
As a 1:1 Teaching Assistant, empathy is key. Be prepared to share examples of how you've supported students with additional needs in the past, highlighting your patience and understanding.
✨Demonstrate Communication Skills
Strong communication is essential in this role. During the interview, showcase your ability to communicate effectively with both students and teachers. Consider discussing any relevant experiences where you successfully collaborated with others.
✨Highlight Adaptability
Working with students who have SEN often requires flexibility. Be ready to discuss situations where you've had to adapt your approach or strategies to meet individual needs, showing that you're capable of thinking on your feet.
✨Research the School's Ethos
Familiarise yourself with the school's inclusive ethos and values. In the interview, mention how your personal values align with theirs and express your enthusiasm for contributing to a supportive learning environment.
