SEN Teaching Assistant

SEN Learning & Development Support Assistant

Location:

Plymouth, Devon

Contract:

Full-Time | Term-Time Only

Build Your Career in Specialist Education

If you enjoy supporting young people and are looking for a role where you can develop your skills, gain specialist experience and build a long-term career in education
, this could be an excellent next step.

We are recruiting for a supportive specialist education setting in Plymouth that works with children and young people with a range of additional needs, including Autism, ADHD, social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs, and communication difficulties.

As an SEN Learning & Development Support Assistant, you will work alongside experienced teachers and specialist support professionals, gaining valuable hands-on experience while helping pupils overcome barriers to learning, develop independence and achieve meaningful progress.

For the right person, this is much more than a classroom support role. It is an opportunity to build experience that can open doors to future careers in SEND, teaching, pastoral support, behaviour support, therapy, psychology and wider education
.

• Providing one-to-one and small-group support for pupils with additional needs
• Helping students access lessons and participate confidently in learning
• Supporting pupils with Autism, ADHD, SEMH and communication needs
• Building positive, trusting relationships with young people
• Encouraging independence, resilience and confidence
• Supporting the development of communication and social skills
• Helping pupils regulate emotions and manage challenging situations
• Using agreed behaviour and learning strategies consistently
• Working closely with teachers and other professionals to monitor progress
• Supporting pupils during lessons, activities, break times and wider school life

This role provides an excellent foundation for anyone considering a longer-term career working with children and young people.

You will have the opportunity to develop practical experience in areas such as:

• Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
• Autism and neurodiversity
• Behaviour and emotional regulation
• SEMH support
• Safeguarding
• Communication strategies
• Individual learning support
• Positive behaviour approaches
• Working within multidisciplinary education teams

It could be particularly valuable if your future ambitions include becoming a Higher Level Teaching Assistant, SEN specialist, teacher, pastoral practitioner, behaviour mentor, youth worker or pursuing further study in psychology, therapy or education
.

Previous school experience can be beneficial, but experience gained in other environments can also be highly relevant.

You may have worked within education, care, youth services, sports coaching, mentoring, residential support or another role involving children, young people or vulnerable adults.

• Is genuinely interested in developing a career supporting young people
• Can build positive and professional relationships
• Has patience, empathy and emotional resilience
• Is willing to learn and develop new skills
• Can remain calm when situations become challenging
• Enjoys working collaboratively as part of a team
• Is reliable, proactive and able to use their initiative
• Holds a full UK driving licence and has access to their own vehicle
• Has an Enhanced DBS on the Update Service or is willing to apply for one

Alongside competitive rates of pay and a full-time, term-time position, you will benefit from:

• Valuable specialist SEND experience
• Ongoing training and professional development
• Experience working alongside knowledgeable education professionals
• Opportunities to broaden your skills and responsibilities
• Long-term experience that can support future education and SEND career opportunities
• A supportive environment where you can learn while making a genuine difference

Some of the most rewarding careers in education begin with the opportunity to work directly with young people and discover the difference the right support can make.

If you’re looking for a position where you can develop professionally while helping children and young people progress, we’d love to hear from you.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Successful applicants will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and all relevant safer recruitment procedures.