SEN Secondary Teaching Assistant – Plymouth
Location: Plymouth
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Pay: £85 - £90 per day
Contract: Long-term, with temp-to-perm opportunities at the school's discretion
Are you passionate about supporting young people with Special Educational Needs (SEN)? We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate SEN Secondary Teaching Assistant to join a specialist SEN school in Plymouth. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with experience in SEN support who is looking for a long-term role with the potential for a permanent position.
The Role:
As an SEN Secondary Teaching Assistant, you will:
- Provide tailored support to secondary-aged students with a range of SEN, including Autism, ADHD, speech and language difficulties, and social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs.
- Work closely with teachers, therapists, and support staff to implement Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and behaviour management strategies.
- Support students both in class and during one-to-one or small-group interventions.
- Help create a safe, nurturing, and structured learning environment that fosters independence and confidence.
- Use alternative communication methods such as Makaton, PECS, or assistive technology (training can be provided).
- Assist with personal care and mobility needs when necessary, ensuring students’ dignity and well-being.
- Provide emotional and social support, helping students develop self-regulation skills.
- Build positive relationships with students, encouraging engagement in learning and personal development.
What We’re Looking For:
To be successful in this role, you should have:
- Experience working with secondary-aged students with SEN in a school, care, or community setting.
- A patient, empathetic, and resilient approach to supporting young people with additional needs.
- Strong communication and teamwork skills to collaborate effectively with staff and external professionals.
- The ability to adapt and respond to the diverse needs of students, using a person-centred approach.
- A commitment to safeguarding, student well-being, and inclusive education.
Desirable (but not essential) Skills:
- A Level 2 or Level 3 qualification in Supporting Teaching and Learning, Childcare, or a related field.
- Experience with de-escalation techniques, positive behaviour management, or Team Teach training.
- Knowledge of EHCPs (Education, Health and Care Plans) and SEND frameworks.
Why Join Us?
- Rewarding role – make a real impact on the lives of young people with SEN.
- Supportive school environment – work alongside experienced professionals in a specialist setting.
- Ongoing training and professional development – enhance your skills in SEN support.
- Long-term stability with temp-to-perm opportunities – potential to transition into a permanent role.
This role is ideal for individuals looking to develop their experience in SEN education while working in a highly rewarding and fulfilling environment.
If you are passionate about helping young people with SEN thrive and want to be part of a dedicated team, we would love to hear from you.
Apply today to join our team in Plymouth!
All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.
All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.
Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.
We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.
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