Location: Chelmsford, Essex
Hours: 8:30am – 4:00pm, Term Time Only
Pay: £95 – £105 per day
Contract: Temp-to-Perm
There are roles where you support learning…
And there are roles where you help a child believe they can learn again.
This is one of those roles.
Parker Smith Inclusion is working in partnership with a growing SEND specialist school in Chelmsford, a setting that is genuinely committed to a therapeutic, child-centred approach.
Here, education is about much more than lessons. It’s about understanding each young person, meeting them where they are and helping them move forward at their own pace.
The school supports pupils aged 4–19 with a range of additional needs, including ASC, ADHD, SEMH and SLD. For some pupils, school hasn’t always been a positive experience — which is why the work you do here really matters.
The Opportunity
As a SEND Teaching Assistant, you’ll play an important role in helping pupils access education in a way that works for them.
Some days, that might mean supporting learning in the classroom. Other days, it could mean helping a pupil regulate their emotions, rebuild trust or simply feel safe enough to engage.
Progress here isn’t always measured in grades. Sometimes, it’s the small wins that matter most.
You’ll support pupils on a 1:1 basis and in small groups, working closely with teachers, therapists and pastoral staff to provide genuinely personalised support.
What Will You Be Doing?
You’ll build strong, trusting relationships with pupils — the kind of relationships that help them feel safe, secure and ready to engage.
You’ll support learning both inside and outside the classroom, adapting your approach depending on the individual needs of each pupil.
You’ll also:
- Follow individual support plans and help pupils work towards their personal goals.
- Encourage independence, communication and confidence.
- Support pupils with emotional regulation and behaviour.
- Remain calm, consistent and patient when pupils are finding things challenging.
- Work closely with teachers, therapists and other members of the wider team.
- Support pupils both individually and within small groups.
- Provide personal care when required, always maintaining dignity, respect and professionalism.
- Take an adaptable and flexible approach — because no two days will be the same.
You won’t be expected to do it alone. You’ll be part of a supportive team working together towards the same goal: helping every pupil make progress in their own way.
Support & Development
From day one, you’ll be given the support you need to settle into the role.
The school offers a comprehensive five-day induction, followed by structured shadowing alongside experienced members of staff.
There are also ongoing training opportunities, including behaviour support and manual handling, giving you the knowledge, skills and confidence to develop within the role.
Why This Role?
- A genuinely therapeutic and supportive school environment.
- A team that works together and supports one another.
- Comprehensive induction and ongoing training.
- Opportunities for long-term progression.
- The chance to build meaningful relationships with pupils.
- The opportunity to make a genuine, lasting difference every day.
- A temp-to-perm opportunity for the right person.
Interested?
If you’re reading this and thinking, “This is exactly the kind of role I’ve been looking for,” we’d love to hear from you.
Please contact Harry at Parker Smith Inclusion on 020 3011 4848 for more information.
And even if this particular role isn’t quite right for you, still get in touch. We work with a range of SEND schools across Essex and are always happy to help you find the right opportunity.
Parker Smith Inclusion is an ethical SEND recruitment partner, committed to matching passionate people with schools where they can genuinely thrive.
INDSUPP
Pay: £95.00-£110.00 per day
Benefits:
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person