SEND Teaching Assistant
Location: Plymouth
Hours: Full-Time | Monday–Friday | 8:30am–4:00pm
Working Pattern: School Term Time Only
Start Date: September 2026
Make a Meaningful Difference Every Day
Are you passionate about supporting children and young people with additional needs? Are you looking for a rewarding role where you can help pupils overcome barriers to learning, develop their confidence, and achieve their full potential?
SparkEd Recruitment is working in partnership with welcoming specialist schools, mainstream primary schools, and secondary schools with dedicated SEND provisions across Plymouth. We are looking for compassionate, enthusiastic, and dedicated SEND Teaching Assistants to join school teams from September 2026.
This is an excellent opportunity to support pupils across Key Stages 1–4, working alongside experienced teachers and education professionals in nurturing, inclusive environments where every pupil is encouraged to succeed.
As a SEND Teaching Assistant, you'll play an important role in supporting pupils with their learning, communication, emotional wellbeing, behaviour, and personal development. Most importantly, you'll help create a positive environment where every pupil feels understood, valued, and confident in their ability to succeed.
The Role
Working closely with teachers, SENDCOs, therapists, and other education professionals, your responsibilities may include:
- Providing tailored one-to-one and small-group support based on individual needs.
- Supporting teaching and learning within primary and secondary classrooms, intervention groups, and specialist SEND provisions.
- Assisting teachers with the delivery of engaging and accessible lessons.
- Building positive, trusting relationships that encourage confidence, engagement, and emotional resilience.
- Supporting pupils with their academic, social, emotional, communication, and personal development.
- Promoting positive behaviour through consistent approaches and effective emotional regulation strategies.
- Supporting the implementation of personalised learning and support plans.
- Encouraging independence and celebrating pupils' progress and achievements.
- Helping pupils develop the skills and confidence they need to progress both academically and personally.
- Creating a safe, inclusive, positive, and engaging learning environment where every pupil can thrive.
Who You'll Be Supporting
You may work with children and young people with a range of additional needs, including:
- Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.
- Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC).
- ADHD.
- Anxiety.
- Trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs).
- Emotional regulation difficulties.
- Behavioural challenges.
- Low confidence and self-esteem.
- Communication and social interaction difficulties.
- Additional learning needs.
About You
Previous experience as a Teaching Assistant isn't essential. We're looking for individuals with the right attitude, transferable skills, and genuine passion for helping children and young people.
You may have experience in areas such as:
- Childcare or youth work.
- Health and social care.
- Residential childcare or support work.
- Behaviour or learning mentoring.
- Coaching or mentoring.
- Supporting children or adults with SEND.
- Mental health or wellbeing services.
We also welcome applications from graduates in Psychology, Education, Childhood Studies, Criminology, Sociology, Health & Social Care, or related subjects who are looking to begin or develop their career within education.
The Ideal Candidate
You'll be someone who is:
- Compassionate, patient, and approachable.
- Calm, consistent, and resilient when supporting pupils through challenging situations.
- A confident communicator with strong interpersonal skills.
- Adaptable, proactive, and responsive to individual needs.
- Committed to inclusive education and helping every pupil achieve their potential.
- Passionate about making a genuine difference in the lives of children and young people.
- Enthusiastic about supporting teachers and contributing positively to the classroom environment.
What We Offer
- Full-time, term-time-only hours, with school holidays off.
- Opportunities across specialist, primary, and secondary schools with SEND provisions throughout Plymouth.
- Comprehensive online training before you start.
- Ongoing support from a dedicated SparkEd Recruitment consultant.
- Valuable experience across a range of educational settings and age groups.
- Opportunities for professional development and long-term career progression.
- A rewarding career where you can make a genuine and lasting difference every day.
Apply Today
If you're passionate about supporting children and young people and want a role where no two days are the same, we'd love to hear from you.
Whether you're an experienced Teaching Assistant, a recent graduate, or you're looking to transfer your skills from another support-based role, this could be the perfect opportunity to build a rewarding career in education.
Take the next step in your career with SparkEd Recruitment and join a school community where your support, patience, and dedication can make a lasting difference.
Apply today for a September 2026 start.
Why SparkED Recruitment?
At SparkED, we specialise in placing talented, motivated educators and support staff in roles across the UK. We understand the vital role that every member plays in shaping the future of young learners, and we are committed to supporting you throughout your career. Our mission is to ensure that every child has access to high-quality education, and we are proud to be part of an industry that creates lasting change.
Safeguarding Statement:
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All successful applicants will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.
Join us in providing students with the tools they need to succeed and making a lasting impact on their futures. Together, we can make education a transformative experience for every child.
Pay: £100.00-£112.00 per day
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company pension
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Application question(s):
- Have you signed up to any other agencies as well as these schools do work with other agencies?
Licence/Certification:
- driving licence and access to a vehicle (required)
Work Location: In person
