SEN Teaching Assistant – ARP (Mainstream Primary School)
Location: Hackney
Start Date: Immediate trial with a September start
Contract: Full time, Long Term
Salary: Competitive
Are you an experienced SEN Teaching Assistant looking for a rewarding Long Term, Full time opportunity in Hackney? We are working with a welcoming mainstream primary school in Hackney that is seeking a dedicated SEN Teaching Assistant to join their Additional Resource Provision (ARP) for an immediate trial, with a September start.
This Long Term, Full time role is ideal for a SEN Teaching Assistant who has previous experience supporting children with ASD (Autism) and non-verbal communication needs. The successful candidate will work closely with primary-aged pupils on a 1:1 basis and within small intervention groups, helping them access learning, develop communication skills, and build confidence in a supportive and structured environment.
The ARP provides specialist support while enabling pupils with ASD (Autism) to benefit from inclusion within the wider mainstream primary setting. This is an excellent opportunity to make a genuine difference to children's educational and personal development in Hackney.
The Role
As a SEN Teaching Assistant, you will play a vital role in supporting pupils with ASD (Autism) and complex communication needs throughout the school day. Working alongside the class teacher, SENDCO, therapists, and wider support staff, you will deliver tailored interventions and create a positive learning environment that promotes independence and achievement.
This Long Term position is Full time and requires someone who is patient, proactive, and passionate about supporting children with ASD (Autism). An immediate trial is available for candidates looking to secure a September placement.
Daily Duties
- Support primary-aged pupils with ASD (Autism) on a 1:1 basis throughout the school day.
- Deliver targeted learning activities to small groups of pupils.
- Adapt classroom resources to meet individual learning needs.
- Support pupils with non-verbal communication using visual supports, PECS, Makaton, or communication aids where appropriate.
- Encourage positive behaviour through consistent behaviour management strategies.
- Assist pupils with emotional regulation and sensory needs.
- Promote independence in learning, personal care, and social interactions.
- Record observations and monitor pupil progress.
- Liaise effectively with teachers, therapists, and parents where appropriate.
- Help create a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment.
- Support pupils during transitions, breaktimes, and educational activities.
- Follow individual Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and behaviour support plans.
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 within a similar educational support role.
- Strong knowledge and practical experience supporting pupils with ASD (Autism).
- Experience supporting children with non-verbal communication needs.
- Ability to build positive, professional relationships with pupils, staff, and families.
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
- A calm, patient, and resilient approach.
- Ability to adapt learning activities to meet individual needs.
- Commitment to promoting inclusion and positive outcomes for all pupils.
- Reliable, professional, and enthusiastic attitude.
Desirable
- Experience working within an ARP or specialist provision.
- Knowledge of PECS, Makaton, sensory integration strategies, or other communication approaches.
- Understanding of EHCPs and personalised learning plans.
- Relevant Teaching Assistant or childcare qualification.
Safeguarding Responsibilities
This SEN Teaching Assistant role involves regular and direct contact with children and constitutes regulated activity relating to children. The successful candidate will be expected to safeguard and promote the welfare of all pupils 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 children with ASD (Autism) and are looking for a Long Term, Full time opportunity in Hackney, 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
