SEN Teaching Assistant

Would you like to work in a role where your support can directly influence a child's confidence, progress and experience of school? A specialist setting in Swindon, Wiltshire is looking for a compassionate and proactive SEN Teaching Assistant to join its team and provide personalised support to children with a range of additional needs.

This SEN Teaching Assistant position is ideal for someone who enjoys working closely with children and wants to understand how different learning needs can affect communication, behaviour, independence and classroom engagement. You will help children overcome individual barriers while encouraging them to participate, develop new skills and become increasingly confident in their abilities.

The successful SEN Teaching Assistant will work alongside teachers and specialist colleagues, helping to deliver support that is tailored around individual children's needs rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach. Children may have Autism, learning difficulties, communication needs, social and emotional needs or other SEND requirements.

Your Responsibilities

As a SEN Teaching Assistant, you will be involved in the day-to-day support and development of children within the school.

Your duties may include:

* Working directly with children on a 1:1 or small-group basis.
* Helping children understand and complete classroom activities.
* Adapting tasks and instructions so children can access learning more effectively.
* Using visual resources, practical activities and other appropriate learning approaches.
* Encouraging children to communicate their needs, ideas and feelings.
* Supporting children with transitions between lessons and activities.
* Reinforcing classroom expectations and encouraging positive behaviour.
* Helping children develop their social interaction and communication skills.
* Promoting independence rather than creating unnecessary reliance on adult support.

As a SEN Teaching Assistant, you will need to be adaptable and responsive. Some children may require structured guidance, while others may benefit from encouragement to attempt tasks independently.

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for a SEN Teaching Assistant who genuinely enjoys helping children overcome obstacles and celebrating their achievements.

You could be well suited to the role if you are:

* Naturally patient, supportive and approachable.
* Interested in SEND, child development and inclusive education.
* Comfortable working with children who have different communication and learning styles.
* Able to remain calm and constructive when situations become challenging.
* A confident communicator who can build positive relationships.
* Observant and able to recognise when a child may need additional support.
* Enthusiastic about learning new strategies and developing professionally.
* Reliable, responsible and committed to safeguarding.
* Motivated by seeing children make progress, regardless of how big or small the achievement.

Previous experience as a Teaching Assistant, SEN Assistant, Support Worker, Childcare Worker or Youth Worker would be useful, although relevant experience is not essential.

Why Choose a SEN Teaching Assistant Role?

Working as a SEN Teaching Assistant can provide an excellent foundation for anyone considering a long-term career working with children.

The experience you gain could be particularly valuable if you are interested in:

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