sen teaching assistant.

£90 - £95 per day

Bury St Edmunds

Are you a compassionate, resilient, and dedicated Special Educational Needs (SEN) Teaching Assistant ready to make a significant positive impact on the daily lives and learning journeys of vulnerable young people?

Do you possess the compassion, adaptability, and positive behaviour support skills necessary to nurture, motivate, and help students with complex needs achieve their full potential?

Are you seeking a genuinely fulfilling long-term role within a well-established specialist SEN school community in Bury St Edmunds that prioritises staff development and student well-being?

If you are a passionate support professional looking for a challenging yet incredibly rewarding career move where your commitment directly translates into student progress, we urge you to apply today!

The Role:

A wonderful opportunity has arisen for a proactive and experienced SEN Teaching Assistant to join a dedicated team at a highly regarded specialist school serving students with a wide range of complex needs in the Bury St Edmunds area.

This essential role involves providing tailored, high-quality, 1:1 and small group support to pupils with needs including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD), Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD), and associated behavioural and communication difficulties. You will be instrumental in helping students access a differentiated curriculum, managing their sensory and emotional needs, and fostering their independence and social skills in a stable and nurturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide direct, tailored support to students, implementing strategies outlined in their Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and Individual Education Plans (IEPs).
• Assist the Class Teacher in preparing, adapting, and delivering stimulating learning activities, including sensory, communication, and life-skills based tasks.
• Proactively manage and respond to challenging behaviour using established positive behaviour support strategies and calm de-escalation techniques.
• Support students with their personal care needs (where required) with dignity and respect, promoting independence wherever possible.
• Facilitate effective communication, utilising alternative methods such as PECS, Makaton, or communication aids, and contribute to developing students' social interaction skills.
• Accurately record and report on student progress, achievements, and any significant incidents to the Class Teacher and relevant professional teams.
• Work collaboratively with multi-disciplinary teams (e.g., therapists, parents) to ensure a holistic approach to student development.

Requirements

• Prior experience supporting pupils with complex Special Educational Needs (SEN), ideally within a specialist school or resource base setting.
• A relevant qualification (e.g., Level 2 or 3 Teaching Assistant, Health & Social Care) is desirable, but proven experience is essential.
• A naturally patient, empathetic, highly resilient, and calm demeanour under pressure.
• Strong understanding of positive behaviour management techniques and a commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
• Excellent communication, teamwork, and organisational skills.
• A current Enhanced Child DBS on the update service (or a willingness to obtain one promptly).

What We Offer

• A competitive daily rate of £90 - £95, reflective of experience and commitment.
• The opportunity to work within a welcoming and supportive specialist school in Bury St Edmunds, which invests in its staff.
• Access to specialist CPD (Continuous Professional Development) and training opportunities relevant to complex SEN (e.g., specific communication strategies, behaviour intervention).
• A deeply rewarding career where your effort directly impacts the communication, independence, and happiness of young people.
• £300 Refer A Friend scheme (terms apply).

How to Apply

If you are a dedicated and supportive individual ready to make a difference in a school setting, please apply immediately with your CV or contact Neeraj at neeraj.kommaravalli@randstad.co.uk for more information.

We are the UK market leader for recruitment in education. We have nearly two decades of experience helping teachers and support staff find temporary and permanent roles in schools, colleges, and nurseries. We partner with over 2,500 schools each week, supporting more than 135,000 children every day across the country, which allows us to find the right match for your skills.