Most SEND teaching assistant roles ask you to manage chaos on a shoestring, with massive class sizes and minimal support. This isn't one of them. We're recruiting for a school that genuinely believes smaller class sizes, proper staffing ratios and trauma-informed practice aren't luxuries - they're the foundation of everything we do
Picture this: you walk into a classroom with no more than 3 pupils. Every student gets real attention. You're not drowning in paperwork or managing behaviour crises alone. Instead, you're working alongside a teacher who sees you as a genuine partner, using trauma-informed approaches that actually work because you have time to implement them properly. That's the daily reality here
The young people you'll support have complex needs and challenging behaviours - the kind that don't respond to tick-box solutions. But here's what makes the difference: the school has invested in proper staffing, safe learning spaces across two sites, specialist vocational areas, and outdoor learning opportunities. You're not just managing - you're creating the conditions where these students can finally learn
Professional development isn't a buzzword here; it's genuine. The school funds qualifications for everyone. If you're working towards or already hold a Level 3 TA qualification, you're valued for it and paid accordingly. You're treated as someone worth investing in, not just a pair of hands filling a rota gap
What you will be doing
- Adapt learning support to individual pupil needs, working closely with teachers to personalise each student's pathway
- Use trauma-informed approaches to support pupils' social, emotional and behavioural development throughout the day
- Help manage behaviour in line with the school's behaviour policy, staying calm and consistent even when things get difficult
- Encourage independence and engagement in learning tasks, celebrating small wins that matter
- Prepare resources, organise the classroom and maintain safe, welcoming learning spaces
- Track pupil progress and contribute to record-keeping so everyone knows what's working
Why you will love working here
- Salary of £27,539.40 to £28,972.65 depending on experience and qualifications, paid fairly and reviewed as you grow
- Small class sizes (maximum 3 pupils) with proper staffing ratios so you can actually do the job well
- Fully funded training and qualifications for all staff - invest in yourself while you work
- NEST enhanced pension scheme, enhanced maternity and paternity pay, and life assurance to protect your family
- Staff Referral Scheme: refer a friend and split a £500 bonus between you both
- Employee benefits including a wellbeing app, blue light discount card and range of savings
Is this you?
- You're genuinely passionate about SEND - not because it looks good on a CV, but because you believe these young people deserve better
- You've got at least two years' hands-on experience working in a SEND environment or similar provision
- A Level 3 TA qualification is a real advantage (and we'll support you if you're working towards it)
- You're comfortable with trauma-informed approaches and understand that behaviour is communication
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.