Specialist SEND teaching assistant

Contact: Joseph Chambers, Phone: , Email:

• Job Type: Temporary
• Location:
  
  Somerset (Taunton)
• Salary: £89 – £100 per day (based on experience and qualifications)
• Start Date:
  
  Tue 24th Mar 2026
• Hourly Rate: £89.66* (including holiday pay)

We are seeking an experienced Specialist SEND Teaching Assistant to support pupils with complex needs in a specialist or mainstream school setting. The role requires a compassionate professional confident in supporting students with ASD, ADHD, SEMH, speech and language difficulties, and physical or sensory impairments.

• Provide targeted support to pupils with complex SEND, either 1:1 or in small groups.
• Implement and adapt learning strategies to meet individual needs.
• Support academic progress, emotional development, and independence.
• Contribute to reviews of EHCPs and personalised learning plans.
• Maintain detailed observations and reports on pupil progress and behaviour.

• Minimum 6‑12 months of experience in a SEND setting (school or care‑based).
• Confidence in working with challenging behaviour and applying emotional regulation techniques.
• Calm, flexible and proactive approach to classroom support.
• Excellent communication and team‑working skills.

Desirable but not essential: CACHE Level 2/3 in Supporting Teaching and Learning, Team Teach, or SEND‑specific CPD.

• Right to work in the UK – no sponsorship or Skilled Worker visa.
• Two recent references (from the last two years).
• Current DBS check registered on the Update Service, or willingness to apply for one. A new DBS may be processed at a cost of £62.70, refunded after 20 days of work.
• Successful completion of reference checks, TRA checks and a face‑to‑face interview.

• Competitive pay based on experience.
• School placements tailored to your skill set and preferences.
• Ongoing CPD and specialist SEND training through Five Education.
• Supportive consultants to guide you throughout your placement.
• Opportunities to progress into long‑term or permanent SEND roles.

We welcome and encourage job applications from people of all backgrounds. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as they are currently under‑represented at this level.

If this role interests you, please contact Joseph Chambers at  or via email at  for an informal chat.