sen teaching assistant.

£90 - £95 per day

Cottenham

Are you an experienced, reliable, and nurturing Special Educational Needs (SEN) Teaching Assistant seeking a stable, full-time role commencing in January 2026 at a highly regarded, inclusive school in the large village of Cottenham, Cambridgeshire?

Do you possess the adaptability, patience, and warmth to provide consistent, targeted support to students with a range of learning barriers, including Moderate Learning Difficulties (MLD), Speech and Language Communication Needs (SLCN), and Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs?

Are you looking for a stable, long-term opportunity to join a close-knit, community-focused, and supportive school team where your efforts are truly integrated and valued within the heart of the village?

The Role:

This is a crucial, full-time opportunity for a professional and committed SEN Teaching Assistant to join the dedicated support staff at a respected school in Cottenham on a long-term contract (with a strong potential for a permanent position). The role has a guaranteed start date of January 2026.

This position is vital for supporting inclusion across key stages. Working closely with the Class Teacher and the school SENCO, you will be responsible for implementing specific intervention programmes, managing classroom dynamics, and primarily providing direct, continuous, and tailored support to help remove barriers to learning. You will play a key role in developing students' social skills, emotional regulation, and access to the mainstream curriculum, ensuring they thrive both academically and personally within a supportive village environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality, targeted, and continuous 1:1 or small-group support to students, helping them engage with the core curriculum and achieve their EHCP targets.
• Assist the class teacher with the daily set-up, resource provision, and maintaining a positive and inclusive classroom atmosphere.
• Implement approved positive behaviour management strategies and de-escalation techniques efficiently and consistently.
• Support students with general learning needs, promoting independence and self-help skills within the classroom and during activities.
• Accurately monitor, record, and promptly report on student progress, behaviour, and any concerns to the class teacher and SENCO.
• Contribute positively to the overall school community, upholding all safeguarding protocols and school policies.

Requirements

• Significant, demonstrable experience working as a Teaching Assistant, ideally supporting children with MLD, SLCN, and/or SEMH needs.
• A relevant qualification (e.g., Level 2/3 Teaching Assistant or equivalent) is highly desirable.
• Proven ability to build strong, empathetic rapport with students, enabling successful learning outcomes.
• Exceptional patience, consistency, excellent communication skills, and a genuine interest in working within an inclusive educational setting.
• Knowledge of strategies for supporting communication difficulties or emotional regulation is essential.
• 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 friendly, established, and supportive staff team in the heart of the Cottenham community.
• Consistent, full-time professional experience within a nurturing and inclusive school setting.
• A highly rewarding role where your stability and dedication make a tangible, daily difference to students' confidence and success.
• £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.