Job Title: SEN Teaching Assistant
Location: Manchester South, M34
Company: Zen Educate
Job Type: Full-time
Salary: £120 - £130 per day at minimum
Job Description: We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated Higher Level Teaching Assistant to join our team in South Manchester. The HLTA will be working within an Autism Provision. The successful candidate will work closely with class teacher and other support staff to provide tailored support to students with special educational needs, helping them to achieve their full potential.
Teaching & Learning
- Lead, plan, and deliver high-quality learning activities for individuals or small groups of pupils with ASC.
- Take responsibility for whole-class teaching when required, following teacher plans or developing your own where appropriate.
- Adapt and differentiate learning materials to meet the sensory, communication, and cognitive needs of pupils.
- Implement structured teaching approaches (e.g., TEACCH, SCERTS, PECS) according to pupil needs.
- Support pupils in developing communication, social interaction, emotional regulation, and independence skills.
- Contribute to planning meetings and create resources that promote engagement and progress.
Pupil Support
- Build positive, trusting relationships with pupils and support them in managing anxiety, transitions, and challenging situations.
- Use de-escalation and positive behaviour support strategies to ensure a calm and safe learning environment.
- Implement personalised support plans, behaviour plans, sensory plans, and EHCP targets.
- Monitor, record, and report on pupil progress, behaviour, and wellbeing.
Professional Support
- Work collaboratively with teachers, therapists, SENCO, and external professionals.
- Provide guidance to Teaching Assistants within the provision, modelling best practice and supporting training where appropriate.
- Contribute to assessment, data collection, and review meetings (including EHCP reviews).
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of ASC and inclusive teaching strategies.
Environment & Safeguarding
- Help create autism-friendly classroom environments that support structure, visual clarity, and sensory regulation.
- Ensure the health, safety, and welfare of pupils, following safeguarding policies and reporting concerns immediately.
- Support pupils during unstructured times, transitions, and off-site activities where necessary.
Person SpecificationEssential Qualifications
- HLTA status (or equivalent Level 4 qualification).
- Good standard of literacy and numeracy.
Essential Experience & Skills
- Experience working with pupils with Autism Spectrum Condition or complex SEND.
- Ability to lead learning activities independently and manage groups effectively.
- Strong understanding of autism-specific strategies (e.g., visual supports, sensory regulation, communication systems).
- Ability to build positive relationships and provide calm, consistent support.
- Excellent communication skills with pupils, staff, and families.
- Ability to adapt practice in response to individual needs and behaviours.
Desirable
- Experience with TEACCH, PECS, Makaton, or other specialist approaches.
- Training in emotional regulation strategies (e.g., Zones of Regulation).
- Experience supervising or mentoring support staff.
- First aid or medical training relevant to additional needs.
Why Join Zen Educate?
- Competitive daily rate of £100 at minimum.
- Flexible working hours to suit your schedule.
- Professional development opportunities and ongoing support.
- The chance to make a real difference in the lives of children with special educational needs.
- A supportive and collaborative working environment.
Reference ID: IND-ST-MAN-SEN
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £120.00-£130.00 per day
Work Location: On the road
