Most teaching assistant roles ask you to manage behaviour and tick boxes. This one asks you to transform lives. We're recruiting for a specialist SEND school where your daily work directly removes barriers for young people with complex needs, SEMH and autism who've been let down by mainstream education, and where the team actually invests in your growth and wellbeing
Picture yourself working with Year 1 to Year 13 students who need more than a standard classroom can offer. You'll be using trauma-informed approaches to support not just their learning, but their emotional and social development. Every day you'll see a young person's confidence build, their independence grow, their walls come down. That's the work that matters
The school runs on EPIC values and a clear behaviour policy that actually works, because it treats young people as people. You won't be fighting fires alone: teachers guide your support, systems are in place, and the environment is built for success. You'll adapt resources, manage behaviour thoughtfully, and help record the real progress these students make
What sets this apart? The provider genuinely backs your development. Fully funded training and qualifications for all staff, enhanced pay scales based on what you bring, an enhanced pension scheme, and a staff referral scheme that actually puts money in your pocket (£500 bonus if you bring someone good). This is a place that knows good TAs are rare and treats them like it
What you will be doing
- Assist pupils with learning activities, adapting your support to each young person's individual needs under teacher guidance
- Support social, emotional and behavioural development using trauma-informed approaches that actually work
- Help manage behaviour in line with the school's policy, keeping the environment safe and respectful for everyone
- Prepare classroom resources, organise learning spaces and help keep the environment clean and orderly
- Encourage pupil engagement and independence in learning tasks, celebrating the small wins that matter
- Support record-keeping and monitoring of pupil progress so teachers and the team can see what's working
Why you will love working here
- Salary of £26,228-£27,593 per year, full time on a 37.5-hour week - and enhanced pay scales based on your experience and qualifications
- Fully funded training and qualifications so you can build your career and progress without paying a penny
- NEST enhanced pension scheme, enhanced maternity and paternity pay, and life assurance that shows the provider values you long term
- Staff referral scheme: introduce a friend and you split a £500 bonus together
- Blue light discount card, employee benefits scheme with a wellbeing app and range of discounts, plus guaranteed interview if you're from a military background
Is this you?
- You're genuinely committed to working with young people with SEND - this isn't a stepping stone for you, it's where your passion is
- You have at least two years' experience working in a SEND environment, alternative provision or similar specialist setting
- You have a Level 3 TA qualification (or you're ready to work toward one with our full funding support)
- You understand trauma-informed practice or are eager to develop that approach as part of your growth with us
Applications close on 12 October 2026. Great roles like this are filled quickly, so the sooner you apply the better.
Safeguarding: We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All roles are subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.