SEND Teaching Assistant - Long-Term

Location: Watford, Hertfordshire
Role: SEND Teaching Assistant / Learning Support Assistant
Start Date: Immediate
Working Pattern: Full-time, Monday to Friday
Contract: Long-term, ideally for the full academic year

We are recruiting on behalf of a welcoming and supportive specialist school in Watford for a dedicated SEND Teaching Assistant to join their team as soon as possible. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who wants to build a long-term career working with children with additional needs and who is committed to helping pupils develop academically, socially and emotionally.

As a SEND Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with teachers and the wider school team to support children with a range of additional needs.

• Providing 1:1 and small-group support to pupils throughout the school day.
• Helping children access learning activities and the wider curriculum.
• Supporting pupils with autism, communication difficulties, learning difficulties and other additional needs
  .
• Encouraging children's independence, confidence and social development
  .
• Building positive and trusting relationships with pupils.
• Supporting children during classroom activities, play, transitions and other parts of the school day.
• Adapting activities according to individual needs.
• Working collaboratively with teachers and other members of the support team.
• Helping maintain a safe, positive, calm, and inclusive learning environment
  .

The most important thing is your genuine passion for working with children with additional needs
.

You don't necessarily need extensive SEN experience if you can demonstrate the right attitude, personality, and commitment.

• Previous experience working with children in a school, nursery, Early Years or similar setting in the UK
• SEN experience, particularly supporting children with autism or communication and learning difficulties
  - desirable rather than essential
  .
• A strong Early Years background and an understanding of children's development.
• A warm, enthusiastic and energetic personality
  .
• Patience, resilience and a calm approach when faced with challenging situations.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• The ability to build strong relationships with children and encourage their development.
• A genuine desire to learn and develop your skills within a specialist education setting.
• A reliable and consistent approach to attendance.

This role is best suited to candidates who are looking for a genuine long-term opportunity
. The school is looking for someone who can commit to working 5 days a week consistently and ideally remain in the role for the full academic year
.

The school is based in Watford
, so candidates must be able to commute reliably and comfortably to the school every day. We particularly welcome applications from candidates who are locally based or able to commute from the Harrow area
.

Please consider your journey carefully before applying, as a reliable daily commute is essential to the role.

• Work within a specialist school supporting children with a wide range of additional needs
  .
• Gain valuable hands-on experience in SEND education.
• Develop your skills through ongoing support and training.
• Work alongside an experienced and supportive education team.
• Make a genuine difference to children's learning, confidence and development.
• Opportunity for a long-term placement for candidates who demonstrate the right commitment and approach.

The successful candidate will be required to complete the relevant safeguarding checks, including an Enhanced DBS check
, and provide appropriate references in line with safer recruitment requirements.

Pay rate will be dependent on qualifications, experience and skills.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and operate an equal opportunities recruitment process.