SEN Teaching Assistant – Autism & SEMH Specialist Provision (Ages 9–19)

Are you passionate about empowering young people with additional needs to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally? We are seeking a committed SEN Teaching Assistant to join a specialist academy supporting pupils aged 9–19 with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) and Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.

About the Setting

This specialist environment supports over 90 children and young people with:

• Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC)
• Identified SEMH needs
• Diverse communication, sensory, and learning profiles

The academy promotes:

• A safe, nurturing space where pupils feel valued and belong
• Quality-first provision through personalised support and structured routines
• Development of independence, social confidence, and life-readiness

Pupils benefit from visual timetables, sensory breaks, quiet learning rooms, off-site learning experiences, and specialist subject facilities including Science, Art, Drama, Sports, Food Tech, and Design Technology.

What You’ll Do

• Deliver personalised support based on each learner’s communication, sensory, and emotional needs
• Use structured teaching approaches and assist with transitions, routines, and regulation
• Build strong, positive relationships that promote emotional safety and engagement
• Collaborate closely with teachers, pastoral staff, therapists, and other professionals
• Support curriculum activities both onsite and in the community
• Promote independence, positive behaviour, and student wellbeing in line with the academy’s ethos of positivity and individualised support

Essential RequirementsSEN Experience

Experience working with children or young people with ASC and/or SEMH needs is required, ideally within a specialist, therapeutic, or behaviour-focused environment.

Rapport-Building Skillset

The ability to build trust, connection, and emotional security is crucial. The setting strongly emphasises valuing pupils as individuals and using positivity and personalised approaches to help them make progress.

Enhanced DBS (on the Update Service)

A current Enhanced DBS registered on the Update Service is essential to meet safeguarding requirements.

Additional Qualities

• Patience, empathy, and resilience when supporting emotional regulation
• Adaptability across a varied timetable, learning environments, and sensory needs
• Commitment to personalised, meaningful learning opportunities
• Collaborative approach with staff, families, and external professionals
• A nurturing, child-centred mindset aligned with the academy’s values and expectations

Why Join This Specialist Academy?

• A safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment focused on wellbeing and belonging
• Highly individualised learning with small groups and strong staffing ratios
• Strong leadership, clear expectations, and a positive school culture
• Opportunities to support pupils’ personal development, independence, and life skills

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.
All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.
Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.
We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.
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