sen teaching assistant.

£90 - £95 per day

Cambridge

Are you an experienced, resilient, and dedicated Special Educational Needs (SEN) Teaching Assistant seeking a secure, full-time role commencing in January 2026 at a highly respected specialist SEN School in the heart of Cambridge?

Do you possess the expertise, compassion, and passion to provide consistent, tailored support to students with a variety of complex needs, including Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD), Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD), and Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC)?

Are you looking for a stable, long-term opportunity to join a genuinely supportive, collaborative, and established school team where your commitment is highly valued, and you can make a profound difference every single day?

The Role:

This is a fantastic, full-time opportunity for a proactive and committed SEN Teaching Assistant to join the hardworking team at a respected SEN School in Cambridge on a long-term contract (with a very strong potential for a permanent placement). The role has a guaranteed start date of January 2026.

This position is absolutely crucial for the successful delivery of highly individualised education. Working closely with the Class Teacher, specialist therapists, and the wider inclusion team, you will actively assist in lesson planning, manage sensory and learning resources, and primarily focus on providing direct, continuous, and tailored 1:1 or small-group support. You will be instrumental in implementing strategies outlined in individual Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) to promote independence, encourage effective communication (e.g., using Makaton/PECS), and provide essential sensory and personal care support, directly enhancing the students' overall development and well-being.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality, targeted, and continuous support to individual students or small groups, helping them access the adapted curriculum and achieve their EHCP targets.
• Assist the class teacher with the full-time preparation of resources, management of a stimulating and safe learning environment, and general classroom management.
• Confidently and discreetly support students with personal care needs (e.g., feeding, mobility, and personal hygiene) as required, maintaining the highest levels of dignity and respect.
• Effectively implement positive behaviour management strategies and communication techniques as directed by the clinical team and class teacher.
• Accurately record and report on student progress, behaviour, and any concerns to the class teacher and relevant safeguarding staff.
• Contribute positively to the entire school community, upholding all safeguarding protocols and school policies throughout the full school day.

Requirements

• Significant, demonstrable experience working as a Teaching Assistant, specifically within a specialist SEN or complex needs setting.
• A relevant qualification (e.g., Level 2/3 Teaching Assistant or equivalent) is highly desirable, but extensive, proven experience will be given full consideration.
• Proven ability to support students with a range of complex Special Educational Needs (e.g., PMLD, SLD, ASC).
• Exceptional patience, high levels of resilience, adaptability, and a genuine, unwavering passion for supporting students with barriers to learning.
• Knowledge of various communication aids and positive behaviour support strategies (e.g., Team Teach, MAPA, Makaton) is a distinct advantage.
• A current Enhanced Child DBS on the update service (or a willingness to obtain one promptly).
• Full-time availability to commence the role in January 2026.

What We Offer

• A highly competitive daily rate of £90 - £95
• The chance to work as part of a highly dedicated, friendly, and specialist staff team in a well-regarded Cambridge location.
• Invaluable, consistent, full-time professional experience in a leading SEN environment.
• A profoundly rewarding role where your stability and dedication make a tangible difference in the students' daily lives and long-term development.
• £300 Refer A Friend scheme when you recommend a successful candidate.

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.