SEN Teaching Assistant - Primary School

Chorlton, West Manchester

Position: SEN Teaching Assistant
Location: Chorlton, West Manchester
Contract Type: Full-Time, Term Time Only
Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:15am – 3:30pm
Salary: £90 – £105 per day (dependent on experience and SEN specialism)
Start Date: ASAP / Next Academic Term

About the School

This progressive and inclusive primary school in Chorlton, West Manchester is seeking a passionate and experienced SEN Teaching Assistant to join its well-established support team. Known locally for its strong community links, inclusive ethos, and child-centred approach, the school prides itself on creating an environment where every child feels valued, respected, and supported to achieve their full potential.

The school serves a diverse and engaged community and places a strong emphasis on emotional wellbeing, inclusion, and equality. SEN provision is a key priority, and the school has invested significantly in staff training, specialist resources, and therapeutic approaches to supporting pupils with additional needs. The leadership team is forward-thinking and highly supportive, encouraging reflective practice, collaboration, and continuous professional development.

The school’s learning environments are calm, purposeful, and well resourced, with dedicated intervention spaces and sensory-friendly areas. Staff work closely together to ensure consistency of support and a joined-up approach to meeting pupils’ needs.

The Role

The SEN Teaching Assistant will support pupils across Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 who have a range of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. These may include Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), ADHD, social, emotional and mental health needs (SEMH), speech and language difficulties, anxiety, sensory processing challenges, and moderate learning difficulties.

This role may involve providing 1:1 support to a pupil with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) or supporting small groups as part of targeted intervention programmes. You will work closely with the class teacher, SENCO, and pastoral team to implement personalised strategies that support both academic progress and emotional wellbeing.

A significant aspect of the role involves helping pupils regulate their emotions, manage anxiety, and develop positive coping strategies. You will provide reassurance, structure, and consistency, helping pupils feel safe and confident within the school environment.

Key Responsibilities

Key responsibilities of the SEN Teaching Assistant include:

• Providing tailored 1:1 and small-group support for pupils with SEN

• Supporting pupils to access the curriculum through differentiated activities

• Assisting with literacy, numeracy, phonics, and topic-based learning

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

• Supporting emotional regulation and positive behaviour using restorative approaches

• Using de-escalation strategies and trauma-informed practice

• Supporting pupils with sensory needs and transitions throughout the day

• Encouraging independence, confidence, and self-esteem

• Supporting social interaction and communication skills

• Assisting with playtimes and lunchtimes where required

• Working collaboratively with teachers, SENCO, and external professionals

• Monitoring progress and recording observations

• Contributing to review meetings and SEN documentation

• Maintaining a safe, calm, and inclusive learning environment

• Adhering to safeguarding, confidentiality, and school policies

The Ideal Candidate

The school is seeking an SEN Teaching Assistant who:

• Has experience working with children with SEN, particularly autism or SEMH

• Demonstrates patience, empathy, and emotional resilience

• Is confident in supporting behaviour and emotional needs

• Has strong communication and interpersonal skills

• Can work flexibly and adapt to changing priorities

• Is proactive, reliable, and committed to inclusion

• Understands safeguarding and child protection responsibilities

Applicants with backgrounds in education, childcare, psychology, youth work, or care are encouraged to apply. SEN-specific qualifications are desirable but not essential, as training will be provided.

Training and Development

The school is committed to supporting staff development and offers:

• Regular SEN-specific CPD and in-house training

• Support from an experienced SENCO and leadership team

• Opportunities to develop expertise in autism, SEMH, and inclusive practice

• Access to external training and specialist workshops

• Clear pathways for progression within SEN support roles

This role is well suited to individuals considering future careers in teaching, educational psychology, or SEN leadership.

What the School Offers

• A welcoming and inclusive school culture

• Supportive and approachable leadership

• Strong focus on staff wellbeing

• Well-resourced SEN provision and intervention spaces

• Collaborative and respectful staff team

• Long-term stability and career development opportunities

• The chance to make a meaningful difference every day

Safeguarding Statement

The school is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff share this responsibility. The successful applicant will be subject to enhanced DBS checks, satisfactory references, and right-to-work checks in accordance with safer recruitment guidelines.