SEN Teaching Assistants (x3)
Location: Retford, Nottinghamshire
Pay: Competitive daily rate (dependent on experience)
Contract Type: Full-time, Temp-to-Perm (3x roles available)
Start Date: September 2026
Are you a compassionate and proactive individual dedicated to empowering young people with complex educational needs? Do you excel at building meaningful, trust-based relationships that help children feel safe, valued, and ready to learn? Are you looking for a full-time role starting this September that offers long-term job security through a clear temp-to-perm pathway?
If so, Randstad Education wants to hear from you. We are currently recruiting three SEN Teaching Assistants to join a vibrant and collaborative team within a highly regarded specialist setting in the Retford area.
About the School
They are a warm, nurturing, and forward-thinking specialist school dedicated to providing tailored education for pupils aged 5 to 19 with autism spectrum conditions (ASC), ADHD, speech and language difficulties, and complex learning needs. They pride themselves on a therapeutic, high-staff-ratio environment where learning is adapted to each child's unique strengths and pace. With outstanding, modern facilities and a heavy emphasis on emotional well-being, outdoor learning, and life-skills development, they foster a close-knit community where both pupils and staff are given the space and support to thrive.
Role and Responsibilities
In these full-time roles, you will work directly alongside class teachers to support small groups of pupils or provide dynamic 1:1 intervention. Your key duties will include:
- Assisting pupils with their daily learning tasks, adapting activities to suit their individual sensory and learning profiles.
- Utilising alternative communication tools-such as PECS, Makaton, and visual timetables-to help non-verbal and pre-verbal learners express themselves.
- Supporting pupils through sensory breaks, sensory circuits, and low-arousal de-escalation strategies when they feel overwhelmed.
- Guiding children through life-skills routines, social interactions, and classroom transition times to build confidence.
- Working in close partnership with class teachers, fellow teaching assistants, and visiting speech and language therapists to track pupil progress and meet EHCP targets.
Skills Required
- A calm, reassuring presence capable of decoding behaviour as communication.
- Prior experience supporting children or young adults with autism (ASC), ADHD, or complex needs within an education, care, or therapy setting.
- Practical familiarity with visual schedules, Makaton, PECS, or symbol-based communication systems.
- Strong interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with colleagues and take initiative during busy classroom routines.
Essential Requirements
- Previous experience working with children or young people with special educational needs (SEN) within the UK.
- A strong commitment to full-time hours starting in September 2026, with the aim of transitioning onto a permanent school contract.
- Full eligibility to work in the UK (please note, visa sponsorship is not available for this role).
- An Enhanced DBS check registered on the Update Service, or a willingness to undergo a new check via Randstad.
Why Choose Randstad?
When you partner with Randstad Education, you are supported by a global recruitment leader with a deeply personal, local approach. Benefits include:
- Temp-to-Perm Pathway: A direct route to securing a permanent contract with a fantastic specialist setting.
- Team Teach Training: Free access to accredited professional development, including Team Teach positive behaviour support training.
- Referral Scheme: Earn £300 in Love2shop vouchers for every person you successfully refer to us (T&Cs apply).
How to Apply
Apply now directly or contact the SEN team for further details:
📧 Email: kirsty.booth@randstad.co.uk
📞 Call: 0113 246 2500
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