Secondary SEN Teaching Assistant

Secondary SEN Teaching Assistant
Location: Arnold, Nottingham
School: Alternative Provision School
Job Type: Day to Day Supply with possibility of Long Term

About the Role
We are currently seeking a resilient, enthusiastic, and dedicated Secondary SEN Teaching Assistant to join an alternative provision school in Nottingham, supporting secondary-aged pupils with special educational needs (SEN). This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about supporting young people who may face barriers to learning and require additional educational, emotional, social, or behavioural support. Working closely with teachers and the wider school team, you will help pupils engage with their learning, develop positive relationships, improve their confidence, and build the skills needed for greater independence and future success. The successful candidate will be patient, adaptable, and confident in supporting young people with a range of additional needs. Experience managing challenging behaviour and maintaining clear, consistent boundaries would be particularly beneficial in this setting.

Candidates must have a minimum of 3 months' experience working with children or young people with SEN in either an educational or care setting.

Key Responsibilities

* Providing one-to-one and small-group support to secondary-aged pupils with special educational needs.

* Assisting teachers in delivering accessible and engaging lessons across the curriculum.

* Supporting pupils with their academic work, helping them understand tasks and remain engaged in learning.

* Encouraging positive behaviour, emotional regulation, and appropriate social interaction.

* Supporting pupils who may experience behavioural, emotional, sensory, or communication difficulties.

* Implementing appropriate support strategies to help pupils manage challenges and develop independence.

* Using positive behaviour management and de-escalation techniques when required.

* Building professional and trusting relationships with pupils while maintaining clear boundaries.

* Helping to create a safe, structured, and inclusive learning environment.

* Working collaboratively with teachers, pastoral staff, and other professionals to meet individual pupil needs.

* Supporting pupils' personal development, confidence, and preparation for future education, training, or employment.

* Following safeguarding procedures and school policies at all times.

The Ideal Candidate
We are looking for someone who:

* Has a minimum of 3 months' experience working with children or young people with SEN in an educational or care setting.

* Is patient, resilient, empathetic, and committed to supporting young people's development.

* Is confident working with pupils who may display challenging behaviour or experience emotional difficulties.

* Has strong communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills.

* Can remain calm and professional in challenging situations.

* Understands the importance of consistency, clear boundaries, and positive behaviour support.

* Can adapt their approach to suit pupils with different learning styles and additional needs.

* Is proactive, flexible, and able to work effectively as part of a team.

* Is passionate about helping young people overcome barriers to learning and achieve their potential.

* Holds, or is willing to obtain where eligible, an Enhanced DBS check.

Experience supporting pupils with autism, ADHD, SEMH needs, behavioural difficulties, or other additional learning needs would be advantageous. Experience within a secondary school, alternative provision, pupil referral unit (PRU), or specialist SEN setting would also be beneficial.

Benefits of Working with Connex Education

Competitive rates of pay, paid to scale, paid weekly and ALWAYS paid directly from Connex Education and NEVER via umbrella companies / outsourced payroll.

Flexible working opportunities to suit your availability, including full-time, part-time, regular and ad-hoc cover.

Access to work at large numbers of schools within academy trusts that work EXCLUSIVELY with Connex Education and NO other agencies.

Exceptional personalised support and service from dedicated education sector recruitment professionals.

Industry-leading FREE CPD covering anything and everything education-sector based via our Academize training platform.

Access and auto entry into our frequent competitions and prize draws.

Additional earning opportunities via our generous Refer a Friend scheme, details of which can be found here:

Protected Characteristics Statement
All offers are conditional upon satisfactory background checks, including a DBS check. All appointments will be subject to a DBS check.

Connex Education Partnership is committed to a policy of equal opportunities. We respect and value cultural and religious diversity and will not discriminate based on age, gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnic origin, religion, culture, marital status or disability. Everyone is assessed on merit alone.

Connex Education Partnership is an employment agency and employment business.

Connex Education Partnership is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and candidates to share this commitment. We adhere to Safer Recruitment practices in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE), Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023, and other relevant legislation. All appointments are subject to rigorous pre-employment checks, including references and an enhanced DBS check.