SEND Teaching Assistant

Secondary SEND Teaching Assistant - East London (Barking and Dagenham)

What does a Secondary SEND Teaching Assistant do?
A Secondary SEND Teaching Assistant supports students with special educational needs and disabilities across KS3 and KS4, working closely with subject teachers and the SENCO. This can include supporting students with various needs but not limited to autism, ADHD, speech and language needs, or physical disabilities - using tailored strategies, exam access arrangements, and in-class support to help students access the curriculum, build independence, and prepare for their next steps.

Do you need a SEND qualification or experience?

• Prior experience supporting young people with SEND (in a school, care setting, or at home) is highly valued, but formal SEND qualifications are not always essential. Schools will often provide training in specific strategies such as Team Teach, autism awareness, or exam access arrangements once you're in post. What matters most is patience, consistency, and the ability to build trust with teenagers who may be facing academic or social challenges.

Why work as a Secondary SEND Teaching Assistant?

Gain Specialist Experience in Education

• Specialist SEND Skills: Secondary SEND work gives you direct experience of exam access arrangements, transition planning, and personalised learning plans - experience that's increasingly sought after across mainstream and specialist schools alike.
• In-Demand Expertise: You'll build genuine expertise in behaviour de-escalation, supporting emotional regulation in adolescents, and working within an EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan) framework.

Opportunity for Career Progression

• With experience, SEND Teaching Assistants can progress into HLTA positions, SENCO support, or specialist school posts - and this experience is a strong foundation for further study in SEND, educational psychology, or careers/transition support.

Experience, Training and Qualifications required for the SEND Teaching Assistant position:

• Previous experience supporting children or young people with SEND is desirable but not essential.
• Relevant training (eg. Team Teach, autism awareness, exam access arrangements) is a strong plus, but not required to apply.
• A calm, patient, and consistent approach to supporting young people with additional needs.
• Resilience, adaptability, and a genuine passion for inclusive education.

To be eligible for the SEND Teaching Assistant position through Refine Education you must:

• Hold Right to Work in the UK.
• Hold an enhanced child barred list DBS certificate registered with the online update service or be willing to process a new application.
• Provide two professional references.
• Experience working within an EHCP framework or SEND provision is an advantage, though full training and induction support is provided.

If you're patient, adaptable, and ready to make a real difference in young people's lives, apply today to register your interest!