Teaching Assistant

SEND Teaching Assistant (SEND TA) - Specialist School

Location: Islington

Start Date: September

Contract: Full time, long term, term time only

Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience

Experienced SEND Teaching Assistant Required for September Start in Islington

TLSA is proud to be working in partnership with a highly respected Specialist School in Islington that supports children and young people with moderate to severe Learning disabilities. Many students also have Autism, autistic spectrum disorders, epilepsy, physical disabilities, sensory impairments, communication impairments, and complex medical needs.

We are seeking an experienced SEND TA to join this welcoming and supportive Specialist School on a full time, long term basis from September. This is an excellent opportunity for a passionate SEND Teaching Assistant who is committed to helping children with additional needs achieve their full potential within a nurturing and inclusive environment.

The successful SEND TA will work closely with teachers, therapists, support staff, and families to provide personalised support that enables students to access learning, develop independence, and thrive socially and emotionally.

About The School

This Specialist School in Islington provides a highly structured, supportive, and child-centred environment where every student is valued and encouraged to succeed. The school caters for pupils with a range of Learning disabilities and additional needs, including Autism, communication difficulties, sensory needs, and complex medical conditions.

The School Offers

• A supportive and collaborative leadership team
• Excellent training and professional development opportunities
• Modern facilities designed to meet a wide range of needs
• A multidisciplinary approach involving therapists and specialist professionals
• A positive and inclusive working culture
• The opportunity to make a genuine difference to the lives of children with Learning disabilities and Autism

The Role

As a SEND Teaching Assistant, you will provide dedicated support to students across the school, helping them access learning activities, develop communication skills, build confidence, and achieve individual education targets.

This full time, long term position is ideal for an experienced SEND TA who has previously worked within a Specialist School, special educational needs setting, alternative provision, or similar environment supporting children with Learning disabilities and Autism.

Daily Duties and Responsibilities

As a SEND Teaching Assistant, your daily responsibilities will include:

• Supporting students on a one-to-one basis and within small group settings
• Assisting teachers in delivering engaging and differentiated lessons
• Supporting pupils with moderate to severe Learning disabilities across a range of curriculum activities
• Helping students with Autism to engage positively with learning and social interactions
• Implementing individual education plans (IEPs) and behaviour support strategies
• Supporting communication through visual aids, Makaton, PECS, communication devices, or other specialist approaches where appropriate
• Assisting students with sensory regulation activities and sensory integration strategies
• Supporting pupils with physical disabilities and mobility requirements where required
• Monitoring student progress and providing feedback to teaching staff
• Encouraging independence, confidence, and self-esteem in all students
• Supporting pupils during playtimes, lunch periods, educational visits, and enrichment activities
• Assisting with personal care when required in line with individual student needs and care plans
• Supporting students with medical needs in accordance with school procedures and training provided
• Promoting positive behaviour and emotional wellbeing at all times
• Building positive relationships with students, staff, families, and external professionals
• Maintaining accurate records and contributing to student reviews and progress discussions
• Ensuring safeguarding, welfare, and health and safety procedures are followed consistently

Essential Skills, Experience, Abilities, Attitude And Behaviours

Experience

• Previous experience working as a SEND Teaching Assistant, SEND TA, Learning Support Assistant, Teaching Assistant, or Support Worker
• Experience supporting children or young people with Learning disabilities
• Experience working with pupils with Autism and additional complex needs
• Experience within a Specialist School or specialist educational setting is highly desirable
• Experience supporting students with communication difficulties, sensory needs, or medical needs is advantageous

Skills And Abilities

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to build positive and trusting relationships with students
• Ability to adapt learning activities to meet individual needs
• Excellent observation and behaviour management skills
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills
• Ability to remain calm and professional in challenging situations
• Good organisational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to follow care plans, risk assessments, and behaviour support strategies effectively

Attitude and Behaviours

• Patient, compassionate, and empathetic approach
• Genuine passion for supporting children with Learning disabilities and Autism
• Positive, proactive, and resilient mindset
• Commitment to inclusion and equal opportunities
• Flexible and adaptable approach to supporting diverse student needs
• Professional conduct and strong ethical standards
• Commitment to ongoing learning and professional development

Safeguarding Responsibilities

This role involves daily and direct contact with children and young people within an educational setting and includes responsibilities for promoting, safeguarding, and protecting the welfare of children.

The Successful SEND Teaching Assistant Will Be Expected To

• Safeguard and promote the welfare of all pupils
• Recognise, respond to, and report safeguarding concerns in line with school policies and statutory guidance
• Maintain professional boundaries at all times
• Follow all safeguarding, child protection, behaviour, and health and safety procedures
• Contribute to creating a safe, secure, and supportive learning environment

This position involves regulated activity with children and therefore requires an enhanced DBS check with children's barred list information, alongside all relevant pre-employment safeguarding checks.

Why Apply?

• September start in a highly respected Specialist School
• Full time, long term opportunity with potential for future progression
• Work within a dedicated and experienced SEND team
• Gain valuable specialist SEN experience
• Make a lasting impact on the lives of children with Learning disabilities and Autism
• Excellent transport links across Islington and surrounding areas
• Supportive leadership and ongoing training opportunities
• Rewarding and meaningful role within education

If you are an experienced SEND TA or SEND Teaching Assistant seeking a full time, long term opportunity for September within a Specialist School in Islington, we would love to hear from you.

Apply today to secure your September position and become part of a dedicated team transforming outcomes for children and young people with Learning disabilities, Autism, and complex additional needs.

TLSA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and all roles are subject to the usual safeguarding checks. The post carries the safeguarding responsibilities outlined in the job description and person specification. Please note that this position is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, with the relevant amendments (1975, 2013, 2020, 2023 and any that follow), meaning all cautions and convictions that aren't "protected" will need to be declared.