Job description
Job: Creative Teaching assistants
Location: Middlesbrough
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00am–4:00pm (Term Time Only)
Start Date: Immediate
Pay Rate: £95 – £115 per day (depending on experience)
GSL Education are currently recruiting dedicated, resilient, and Creative Teaching Assistants to work in a specialist SEN school in Middlesbrough. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals with experience in education, care, or support settings who are passionate about making a meaningful difference to children with complex needs.
The school supports pupils with autism, learning disabilities, communication difficulties, sensory processing needs, and behaviours that challenge. A calm, patient, and consistent approach is essential. For the right candidates, there is potential for these roles to become permanent.
The Role
As a Creative Teaching Assistant, you will support pupils both academically and emotionally through structured routines, sensory-based learning, and creative approaches such as messy play and hands-on activities.
Some pupils may display behaviours that challenge as a form of communication. You will respond using positive behaviour support, de-escalation strategies, and a trauma-informed approach, working closely with teachers, SENCOs, and other professionals to follow individual education and behaviour plans.
Key Responsibilities
- Providing 1:1 and small group support for pupils with SEN and complex needs
- Supporting pupils with behaviours that challenge, including emotional regulation and transitions
- Using positive behaviour support and de-escalation strategies
- Supporting sensory-based learning, including messy play and tactile activities
- Encouraging engagement through creative play, movement, and exploratory learning
- Supporting communication using verbal and non-verbal methods, visual timetables, and symbols
- Supporting personal care when required, including toileting and hygiene
- Promoting independence, confidence, and positive social interactions
- Observing, recording, and reporting progress and behaviour
- Working collaboratively with teachers and support staff
- Maintaining a calm, safe, and inclusive learning environment
Essential Requirements
- Experience supporting children or young people with Special Educational Needs
- Experience working with behaviours that challenge
- A patient, calm, and resilient approach
- Understanding of person-centred care and positive behaviour support
- Confidence delivering sensory activities and messy play
- Willingness to support personal care when required
- Strong communication and teamwork skills
- Ability to build positive, trusting relationships with pupils
- DBS on the Update Service, or willingness to apply
Desirable (Not Essential)
- Experience working in a specialist SEN school, SEMH setting, or PRU
- Knowledge of autism spectrum conditions
- Experience using Makaton, PECS, or visual communication systems
- Behaviour management training (Team Teach, MAPA)
- Background in care, youth work, psychology, or early years
Why Apply?
- Competitive daily pay based on experience
- Supportive and specialist school environment
- Opportunity to make a genuine, positive impact on children with complex needs
- A consultant to support you on your journey
- Additional training courses
Apply today or email stephanie.barclay@gsleducation.com to discuss this role and other available opportunities.