Job description
SEN Teaching Assistant
Location: York, North Yorkshire
Start Date: January 2026
Contract: Full Time, Term Time Only
Salary: £88 – £110 per day
GSL Education is working closely with an Alternative Provision in York and is seeking a dedicated and resilient SEN Teaching Assistant to join their specialist team. This is a rewarding full-time role supporting learners who require personalised learning, emotional regulation strategies and consistent nurture.
About the Role:
As an SEN Teaching Assistant, you will work alongside teachers, keyworkers and pastoral staff to help pupils access learning, manage their emotions and develop life skills. You will provide 1:1 and small-group support, assist with personalised learning plans, and help create a calm, safe and structured environment where every pupil can thrive.
About the School:
The provision supports children and young people aged 4–16 who benefit from smaller class sizes, therapeutic approaches and highly individualisedprogrammes. Pupils may have SEND, SEMH needs, autism, communication difficulties or challenging life experiences that have affected their education.
Staff build strong, trusted relationships with learners through a keyworker model, promoting academic progress, independence and emotional wellbeing. The curriculum combines core subjects, creative learning, vocational pathways and life-skills development.
As the Ideal SEN Teaching Assistant, you should have:
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Experience supporting children or young people, ideally in education, care or SEND settings
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Patience, empathy and the ability to remain calm during challenging moments
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Good communication skills with staff, pupils and external professionals
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A positive, proactive and consistent approach
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Understanding of SEN, SEMH or autism strategies
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Ability to follow guidance, contribute to the team and build rapport with learners
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Team Teach training is beneficial but not essential
Why Join Us:
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Make a meaningful impact on the lives of young people
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Work as part of an experienced, supportive and passionate team
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Gain valuable experience in SEN, SEMH and Alternative Provision environments
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Access ongoing training and development opportunities
Please be advised that this role requires a strong knowledge and understanding of safeguarding and child protection and that successful applicants must satisfy all background safer recruitment checks including an enhanced DBS on the update service.
GSL Education is an ethical, independent recruitment agency which aims to provide quality teaching and support staff in schools throughout East and North Yorkshire.
If you would like to apply for the position of SEN Teaching Assistant, please call Kerry Fowler at GSL Education and submit your up-to-date CV via the application link. Alternatively, please visit the GSL Education official website to apply online.