SEN Teaching Assistant – DL1 Area, Darlington – January 2027 Start

Location: DL1 Area, Darlington

Salary: £90–£100 per day

Job Type: Full Time

Start Date: January 2027

Setting: Specialist SEN Base

Key Stages: Early Years to Year 6

About the Role

Vision for Education is working in partnership with a local primary school in the DL1 area of Darlington to recruit a caring, patient and enthusiastic SEN Teaching Assistant for a full-time position starting in January 2027. This is an excellent opportunity for a dedicated Teaching Assistant who has experience supporting children with a range of additional needs within a primary school or specialist setting. The successful candidate will work within the school's SEN base, supporting children across a range of needs and abilities, from Early Years through to Year 6. You will provide tailored support to help pupils access learning, develop communication and social skills, build independence and achieve their individual targets.

The role will involve working with children on a one-to-one basis and in small groups, adapting your approach to suit individual needs. You may support pupils with a range of learning, communication, social, emotional and behavioural needs, helping to create a calm, safe and structured environment where every child feels supported. We are looking for someone who is flexible, resilient and compassionate, with a genuine passion for supporting children with additional needs and helping them reach their full potential.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide support to children with a range of special educational needs and additional needs across Early Years to Year 6.
• Work within the school's SEN base, supporting pupils individually and in small groups.
• Adapt learning activities and resources to meet children's individual needs and abilities.
• Support pupils with communication, language, social interaction and emotional development.
• Help children access learning and participate in activities both within the SEN base and, where appropriate, the wider school environment.
• Support the development of independence, confidence and positive relationships.
• Follow individual support plans, learning targets and strategies provided by the school.
• Promote positive behaviour and use appropriate strategies to support pupils who may become dysregulated.
• Provide a calm, patient and consistent approach when supporting children with challenging or complex needs.
• Support pupils with transitions, daily routines and changes in activities.
• Work closely with teachers, SENCOs and other support staff to ensure consistent provision.
• Monitor and communicate pupils' progress, achievements and any concerns.
• Help prepare specialist resources and adapted learning materials.
• Maintain a safe, welcoming and inclusive learning environment.
• Follow the school's safeguarding, health and safety and behaviour policies at all times.

What We're Looking For

• Previous experience working as a Teaching Assistant, ideally supporting children with SEN or additional needs.
• Experience supporting children across primary age ranges, from Early Years to Year 6, would be beneficial.
• A good understanding of a range of special educational needs and how these can affect learning and development.
• Experience supporting children with communication, social, emotional or behavioural needs.
• The ability to adapt your approach to suit individual children and their needs.
• A calm, patient, caring and resilient personality.
• Confidence supporting positive behaviour and emotional regulation.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• The ability to build trusting relationships with children and colleagues.
• A flexible and proactive approach to working within a busy SEN setting.
• A genuine passion for helping children with additional needs develop and achieve their potential.
• A commitment to safeguarding and promoting children's welfare.
• Availability to work full-time from January 2027.

What We Offer

• Competitive daily rates of £90–£100, paid through PAYE.
• A Guaranteed Pay Scheme, subject to availability and qualifying criteria.
• Pension contributions, subject to a qualifying period.
• Social and networking events.
• FREE training and continuing professional development opportunities.
• Access to a dedicated consultant who will provide ongoing support.
• The opportunity to make a meaningful difference to children with additional needs.

About Us

Vision for Education is a market-leading education supply agency committed to supporting schools and helping young people achieve their potential. We work with education professionals to provide rewarding opportunities in schools across the country. We do not discriminate on the grounds of age, gender, race, colour, religion, disability or sexual orientation, and we welcome applications from all sections of the community. Vision for Education is committed to safeguarding children and young people. All registered staff will undertake thorough interviewing and referencing checks and must hold, or be prepared to undergo, an Enhanced DBS check registered on the Update Service.