Job description
GSL are seeking enthusiastic Teaching Assistants to support students in a specialist SEN school setting with identified learning needs, including SEN (Special Educational Needs), SEMH (Social, Emotional & Mental Health), ASD, ADHD, and complex learning needs. This role is based in a supportive SEN school environment and involves supporting students on a 1:1 and small group basis across a range of age and ability levels.
You will work alongside experienced teachers, SENCOs, therapists and support staff to help students access a highly differentiated curriculum, regulate emotions, develop confidence, and achieve their full academic, social and personal potential.
If you are an experienced Teaching Assistant, Graduate, Support Worker, Sports Coach, Youth Worker, Residential Support Worker, or someone with a positive and resilient attitude looking to begin or develop a career in SEN education, we would love to hear from you.
You will have opportunities for professional development and will support students in a range of settings, including:
- In-class support across a highly adapted curriculum and personalised learning plans
- Targeted 1:1 and small group interventions focused on SEMH, communication, and engagement
- Supporting emotional regulation, behaviour intervention and de-escalation strategies
- Supporting students with EHCP targets, IEPs and individual support plans
- Enrichment, life skills and sensory-based learning activities where appropriate
- Supporting outdoor learning, off-site visits, and therapeutic-based school activities
As a Teaching Assistant, you will play a key role in supporting students with additional needs. You will work closely with class teachers, SENCOs, pastoral teams, behaviour leads and external professionals to deliver personalised support strategies that enable students to engage with a highly differentiated curriculum.
Teaching Assistant – SEN School – Education and Training – Colchester
Position: Teaching Assistant (1:1 / Small Group)
Location: Colchester
Salary Scale: £92.59–£120 per day
Contract Type: Full-time
Responsibilities:
- Provide 1:1 and small group support to students with SEN, SEMH and complex needs
- Support students in accessing a highly differentiated curriculum across core and foundation subjects
- Assist in the implementation of EHCP targets, IEPs and personalised support plans
- Work collaboratively with teachers, SENCOs, therapists and pastoral staff
- Promote positive behaviour, emotional regulation, resilience and engagement
- Support de-escalation, crisis intervention and restorative approaches where required
- Monitor and track student progress, providing feedback to staff
- Support students during lessons, transitions, breaktimes and unstructured periods
- Contribute to a safe, nurturing, inclusive and trauma-informed learning environment
Qualifications and Skills:
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to build positive, trusting relationships with SEN/SEMH learners
- Patience, resilience, empathy and adaptability
- A genuine interest in supporting young people with additional needs and barriers to learning
- Proactive approach and willingness to work as part of a multidisciplinary team
- Previous experience in a school, SEN setting, care, youth work or similar is desirable but not essential
What We Offer:
- Competitive daily pay rates
- A supportive, specialist SEN school environment
- Ongoing training in SEND, SEMH, behaviour management and safeguarding
- Clear opportunities for career progression into SEN teaching, pastoral or therapeutic roles
- Valuable experience for those considering careers in education, psychology, social work or youth support
This is a fantastic opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of young people with additional needs, SEMH challenges and learning barriers, supporting them both academically and emotionally at a crucial stage of their development.
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.
If you are interested in this role, please click 'apply now' to submit your full and up-to-date CV, and one of our dedicated consultants will be in touch within 24 hours.