Job Title: SEN Teaching Assistant
Location: Guildford
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, communication difficulties, sensory processing needs, learning difficulties or SEMH needs?
• Are you looking for a rewarding role where you can make a positive difference to children’s learning, communication, confidence and independence?

TeacherActive is currently seeking a dedicated and compassionate SEN Teaching Assistant to join a specialist primary provision in Guildford, starting in September. This is a fantastic opportunity to support children aged 5–11 with a range of special educational needs, with many pupils having autism as their primary need alongside additional communication, sensory, emotional and learning needs.

You will work closely with children who require personalised support throughout the school day. Pupils may experience speech, language and communication difficulties, sensory processing differences, anxiety, social and emotional needs, moderate or severe learning difficulties and specific learning difficulties. Some children may also present with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) profiles or Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA).

As an SEN Teaching Assistant, you will provide individual and small-group support, adapting your approach to meet each child''s individual needs and EHCP targets. You will use clear communication, visual supports, positive reinforcement and appropriate sensory and emotional regulation strategies to help pupils feel safe, understood and ready to engage with learning.

You will work closely with teachers, support staff, therapists and other professionals to provide consistent and personalised support. You will also encourage pupils to develop their communication, confidence, social interaction, emotional regulation and independence, celebrating progress at every stage.

The successful SEN Teaching Assistant will have:

• Previous experience working with children or young people, ideally within an SEN setting
• Experience supporting children with autism or additional learning needs is highly desirable
• A patient, caring and compassionate approach
• Strong communication skills and the ability to adapt communication to individual pupils
• An understanding of sensory processing needs and emotional regulation
• Confidence supporting children who may experience anxiety, distress or difficulty regulating their emotions
• The ability to remain calm, consistent and positive in challenging situations
• A flexible and adaptable approach to supporting different individual needs
• An understanding of EHCPs and personalised learning would be beneficial
• 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 5–11 with a range of special educational needs
• Provide 1:1 and small-group support within the classroom
• Support pupils with autism, communication difficulties, sensory needs and learning difficulties
• Adapt communication and learning activities to meet individual needs
• Support pupils with sensory and emotional regulation
• Help children manage transitions, routines and changes throughout the school day
• Use positive reinforcement and appropriate strategies to encourage engagement
• Help pupils develop communication, confidence, social skills and independence
• Support individual targets outlined within pupils'' EHCPs
• Work closely with teachers, therapists and other professionals
• Maintain a calm, 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 Guildford.

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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.