SEN Teaching Assistant – Secondary Specialist School
Location: Mile End
Start Date: Immediate trial with a September start
Contract: Full time, Long Term
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
Are you an experienced SEN Teaching Assistant looking for a rewarding Long Term, Full time opportunity in Mile End? We are recruiting on behalf of a well-established Secondary Specialist School in Mile End that is seeking a dedicated and compassionate SEN Teaching Assistant to join their team for an immediate trial, with a September start.
This Long Term, Full time role is ideal for a SEN Teaching Assistant with previous experience supporting secondary-aged students with ASD (Autism) and additional complex learning needs. Experience working with students who have communication difficulties, sensory needs, and challenging behaviours is highly desirable.
Based in Mile End, this specialist setting provides a nurturing and structured learning environment where every student is supported to achieve their individual potential. As a SEN Teaching Assistant, you will work both 1:1 and in small groups, helping students with ASD (Autism) to develop academically, socially, and emotionally.
The Role
As a SEN Teaching Assistant, you will support secondary-aged students with ASD (Autism) and a range of additional learning needs throughout the school day. Working closely with teachers, therapists, and the wider multidisciplinary team, you will help deliver engaging learning activities that are tailored to each student's Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
This Long Term position is Full time and offers an excellent opportunity to become part of a supportive specialist team ahead of a September start. The successful SEN Teaching Assistant will demonstrate patience, resilience, excellent communication skills, and a genuine passion for supporting young people with ASD (Autism).
Daily Duties
- Provide 1:1 support for students with ASD (Autism) throughout the school day.
- Deliver targeted interventions to small groups of students.
- Adapt learning resources to meet individual learning needs.
- Support students with communication difficulties, including non-verbal learners where appropriate.
- Assist with implementing EHCP targets and personalised learning programmes.
- Encourage positive behaviour using consistent behaviour management strategies.
- Support students with emotional regulation and sensory needs.
- Promote independence, confidence, and life skills.
- Work collaboratively with teachers, therapists, and pastoral staff.
- Record student progress and provide feedback to teaching staff.
- Supervise students during breaktimes, transitions, and educational visits where required.
- Help maintain a safe, positive, and inclusive learning environment.
Person Specification
The successful SEN Teaching Assistant will demonstrate the skills, abilities, experience, attitude, and behaviours required for this post. In line with Section 214 of Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE 2025), TLSA will have regard to:
Essential
- Previous experience working as a SEN Teaching Assistant or in a similar SEND support role.
- Strong knowledge and practical experience supporting students with ASD (Autism).
- Experience supporting young people with complex learning needs and communication difficulties.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Calm, patient, resilient, and adaptable approach.
- Ability to build positive professional relationships with students and colleagues.
- Commitment to inclusion and achieving positive outcomes for every learner.
- Reliable, professional, and enthusiastic attitude.
Desirable
- Previous experience within a Secondary Specialist School.
- Knowledge of PECS, Makaton, sensory strategies, or alternative communication methods.
- Team Teach or other positive behaviour management training.
- Relevant Teaching Assistant or SEND qualification.
Safeguarding Responsibilities
This SEN Teaching Assistant role involves regular and direct contact with children and young people and constitutes regulated activity relating to children. The successful candidate will be expected to safeguard and promote the welfare of all students by maintaining professional boundaries, following safeguarding procedures, reporting concerns promptly, and contributing to a safe and supportive learning environment.
The successful candidate will demonstrate the attitudes, behaviours, skills, and experience necessary to safeguard children and uphold the highest standards of professional conduct in accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE 2025).
If you are an experienced SEN Teaching Assistant with a passion for supporting secondary-aged students with ASD (Autism) and are looking for a Long Term, Full time opportunity in Mile End, we would love to hear from you. Apply today to secure an immediate trial ahead of a September start.
TLSA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and all roles are subject to the usual safeguarding checks. The post carries the safeguarding responsibilities outlined in the job description and person specification. Please note that this position is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, with the relevant amendments (1975, 2013, 2020, 2023 and any that follow), meaning all cautions and convictions that aren’t “protected” will need to be declared.
Pay: £90.00-£105.00 per day
Work Location: In person
