SEN Teaching Assistant - Primary School

Gorton, East Manchester

Position: SEN Teaching Assistant
Location: Gorton, East Manchester
Contract Type: Full-Time, Term Time Only
Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am – 3:30pm
Salary: £85 – £100 per day (dependent on experience)
Start Date: ASAP / Next Academic Term

About the School

This inclusive and values-driven primary school located in Gorton, East Manchester is seeking a dedicated SEN Teaching Assistant to join its supportive and hard-working team. The school serves a diverse local community and is proud of its welcoming ethos, strong pastoral care, and commitment to meeting the needs of every child as an individual.

The school has a well-established SEN provision and a clear, structured approach to inclusion. Staff work collaboratively to ensure that pupils with additional needs are identified early and supported consistently. The leadership team is approachable and proactive, creating an environment where staff feel supported, listened to, and encouraged to develop professionally.

In recent years, the school has invested heavily in staff training, classroom resources, and intervention programmes to strengthen outcomes for pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). As a result, pupils feel safe, valued, and confident, and families speak positively about the care and support their children receive.

The Role

As an SEN Teaching Assistant, you will support pupils across Early Years, Key Stage 1, or Key Stage 2, depending on your experience and the needs of the school. Pupils you support may have a range of needs, including Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), ADHD, social, emotional and mental health needs (SEMH), speech and language difficulties, sensory processing needs, and moderate learning difficulties.

This role may involve working 1:1 with a specific pupil or supporting small groups as part of targeted intervention programmes. You will work closely with the class teacher and SENCO to implement personalised strategies that enable pupils to engage with learning, manage their emotions, and develop independence.

The role is ideal for someone who is patient, resilient, and genuinely passionate about supporting children who may find school challenging at times. You will play a key role in helping pupils overcome barriers to learning and achieve both academic and personal success.

Key Responsibilities

Your responsibilities as an SEN Teaching Assistant will include:

• Providing consistent and tailored support to pupils with SEN

• Supporting pupils in accessing the curriculum through differentiated activities

• Assisting with literacy, numeracy, phonics, and early learning tasks

• Implementing strategies outlined in EHCPs, IEPs, and behaviour plans

• Supporting pupils with emotional regulation and positive behaviour

• Using de-escalation techniques and restorative approaches

• Supporting communication and language development

• Encouraging independence, confidence, and self-esteem

• Supporting pupils during transitions throughout the school day

• Assisting with playtimes, lunchtimes, and structured activities where required

• Working collaboratively with teachers, SENCO, and pastoral staff

• Recording observations and monitoring progress

• Contributing to review meetings and discussions with professionals

• Maintaining a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment

• Adhering to safeguarding, confidentiality, and school policies at all times

The Ideal Candidate

The school is seeking an SEN Teaching Assistant who:

• Has experience supporting children with SEN in schools or similar settings

• Demonstrates empathy, patience, and emotional intelligence

• Is calm, consistent, and confident in managing behaviour

• Can build strong, trusting relationships with pupils

• Communicates effectively with staff, pupils, and parents

• Is flexible and adaptable to changing needs

• Shows commitment to inclusion and equality

• Understands safeguarding and child protection responsibilities

Experience working with autism or SEMH is particularly desirable, but the school welcomes applicants from a range of backgrounds, including childcare, youth work, residential care, or family support roles.

Support and Training

The school places a strong emphasis on staff development and offers:

• Ongoing SEN-focused CPD and training

• Support from an experienced SENCO and pastoral team

• Opportunities to develop skills in behaviour support and communication strategies

• Access to external training from specialist services

• Regular check-ins and guidance from senior staff

This role would suit individuals considering future careers in teaching, educational psychology, SEN support, or social care.

What the School Offers

In return for your commitment, the school offers:

• A welcoming, inclusive, and supportive working environment

• Strong leadership and clear expectations

• Well-structured SEN provision

• A collaborative and respectful staff culture

• Opportunities for long-term employment and progression

• The chance to make a real and lasting difference to children’s lives

Safeguarding Statement

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff share this responsibility. The successful applicant will be required to undertake enhanced DBS checks, provide satisfactory references, and complete right-to-work checks in line with safer recruitment practices.