SEN Teaching Assistant

Job Title: SEN Teaching Assistant
Location: Lewisham
Start Date: September
Contract: Full-time

• Are you a patient and caring SEN Teaching Assistant who is passionate about supporting children with special educational needs?
• Do you have experience supporting children with autism, severe learning difficulties (SLD), profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD), or complex needs?
• Are you looking for a rewarding, hands-on role where you can make a positive difference to children’s learning, development and independence?

TeacherActive is currently seeking a dedicated and compassionate SEN Teaching Assistant to join a specialist primary provision in Bellingham, Lewisham, starting in September. This is a fantastic opportunity to support children aged 4–11 with a range of complex needs, including autism, SLD, PMLD, communication difficulties and physical needs.

You will work closely with children who require additional support throughout the school day. Some pupils may be non-verbal or have limited communication and may require support with sensory regulation, behaviour, mobility, communication and accessing their learning.

As an SEN Teaching Assistant, you will provide individual and small-group support, adapting your approach to suit each child’s needs. You will use clear and simple communication, positive reinforcement and appropriate strategies to help children feel safe, supported and engaged.

You will work closely with teachers, other support staff and professionals such as speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists to provide consistent and personalised support. You will also encourage pupils to develop their confidence, communication, social skills and independence.

The successful SEN Teaching Assistant will have:

• Previous experience working with children or young people, ideally within an SEN setting
• Experience supporting autism, SLD, PMLD or complex needs is highly desirable
• A patient, caring and compassionate approach
• Strong communication skills and the ability to adapt your communication to individual children
• Confidence supporting children who may be non-verbal or have limited communication
• The ability to remain calm and positive when supporting challenging or distressed behaviour
• A flexible and adaptable approach to supporting different needs
• A willingness to provide hands-on support where required
• A strong understanding of safeguarding and pupil wellbeing
• The ability to build positive and trusting relationships with children and staff

Key Responsibilities:

• Support children aged 4–11 with a range of complex special educational needs
• Provide 1:1 and small-group support within the classroom
• Support pupils with autism, SLD, PMLD, communication difficulties and physical needs
• Adapt communication and support strategies to meet each child’s individual needs
• Support children with sensory regulation, transitions and engagement in learning
• Use positive reinforcement and clear boundaries to encourage positive behaviour
• Help pupils develop communication, confidence, social skills and independence
• Work closely with teachers, therapists and other professionals
• Maintain a safe, positive and supportive learning environment
• Follow safeguarding procedures and prioritise the safety and wellbeing of every child
• Celebrate pupils’ progress and achievements, no matter how big or small

In return for the above, you can expect to receive:

• A dedicated team of consultants to guide and support you throughout your assignments
• Access to CPD courses and certificates through the My-Progression channel
• Competitive rates of pay
• Support throughout the registration and placement process
• TeacherActive Referral Scheme – Receive up to £100 when you refer a friend. Terms and Conditions apply

Our staff are paid on a PAYE basis, giving you peace of mind that the correct level of Tax and National Insurance is being paid, with no unexpected administration charges deducted from your hard-earned pay.

Ready to take the next step in your career as an SEN Teaching Assistant? Click APPLY NOW to discuss this exciting September opportunity in Lewisham.

Email: (url removed)
Contact Number: (phone number removed)

About TeacherActive

TeacherActive is one of the UK’s leading education recruitment agencies, with over 20 years of experience supporting schools and education professionals. We place teachers and support staff into a wide range of temporary, contract and permanent roles, helping candidates find rewarding opportunities that suit their experience, availability and career goals. We pride ourselves on providing an excellent service to both our schools and candidates.

Equal Opportunities Statement

TeacherActive is an equal opportunities employer and operates as an Employment Business and Employment Agency in providing temporary, contract and permanent job seeking services.

Safeguarding and DBS Compliance

Registration may involve an enhanced DBS check, ID checks and the supply of good professional references, depending on the role. We are committed to safeguarding and compliance across all placements. 

Regular external audits have shown repeatedly that our standards are exceptional. We are passionate about finding the right staff for each education environment.