SEN Teaching Assistant

Teaching Assistant (SEMH/SEN)
Location: Greater Manchester
Salary: £23,000 - £25,000 per annum
Contract: Permanent
Start Date: ASAP

About the Role
The Education Specialists (TES) are recruiting on behalf of a specialist education provision in Greater Manchester for a dedicated and resilient Teaching Assistant.

This is a rewarding opportunity to support young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs and Special Educational Needs (SEN), helping them overcome barriers to learning and achieve their full potential.

You will play a key role in building positive relationships, supporting behaviour regulation, and contributing to a safe, structured, and nurturing learning environment.

Key Responsibilities
Supporting Students
- Build strong, trusting relationships to support students' emotional, social, and academic development
- Support and implement personalised plans including EHCP targets, behaviour plans, and risk assessments
- Manage and de-escalate challenging behaviours using proactive strategies
- Deliver 1:1 and small group interventions focused on SEMH and wellbeing
- Encourage engagement in learning by removing barriers and promoting participation
- Support students during unstructured times (breaks, transitions, etc.)
- Provide feedback to staff and parents/carers on progress and achievements
- Support emotional regulation strategies (e.g. Zones of Regulation)
- Work with students both in and out of the classroom where required

Supporting Teaching Staff
- Work collaboratively with teachers to support lesson delivery
- Help maintain a calm, structured, and purposeful learning environment
- Assist in preparing differentiated resources
- Monitor student progress and report concerns appropriately
- Record incidents and updates using internal systems
- Promote positive behaviour and accountability

Supporting the School
- Uphold safeguarding policies and promote student welfare at all times
- Attend training, staff meetings, and INSET days
- Support supervision duties (before/after school, breaks, lunchtimes)
- Assist with school trips and off-site activities
- Contribute positively to the wider school team

Person Specification
Essential
- GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths
- Experience working with children or young people (education, care, or support setting)
- Experience supporting SEMH, SEN, or behavioural needs
- Strong behaviour management and communication skills
- Ability to remain calm and professional in challenging situations
- A genuine passion for supporting vulnerable young people
- Commitment to safeguarding and professional development

Desirable
- NVQ Level 2/3 in Supporting Teaching & Learning (or similar)
- Experience in alternative provision or specialist settings
- Knowledge of trauma-informed practice or Zones of Regulation
- Experience delivering interventions or working 1:1

Personal Qualities
- Patient, empathetic, and resilient
- Strong relationship-builder
- Adaptable and solution-focused
- Committed to inclusion and equality
- Professional, reliable, and reflective

What's on Offer
- Competitive salary
- Term-time only working pattern
- Ongoing CPD and specialist training (SEN, safeguarding, behaviour)
- Supportive and collaborative working environment
- Clear opportunities for career progression

Safeguarding Statement
The Education Specialists are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants will be subject to enhanced DBS checks and referencing in line with safer recruitment practices.

How to Apply
To apply or find out more, please contact The Education Specialists directly.

We are committed to finding the right candidate for this role and will wait for a high-quality applicant who shares our passion for supporting young people.

Operam Education Group includes Provide Education | Teachers UK | Provision Recruitment | The Education Specialists | First for Education | Horizon Teachers | Key Stage Teacher Supply

We're proud to be an inclusive employer, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds and committed to creating accessible opportunities across education.

As part of our registration process, you'll need an enhanced DBS check and we'll need to see and copy your original qualifications before any placement. Teaching roles require Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent.