Job Description:

Refine Education is searching for special education needs teaching assistants who are ready to take their first steps working in a Primary, Secondary, or SEN school across the boroughs of East London.

What is a SEN Teaching Assistant?

A SEN Teaching Assistant supports pupils with special educational needs, working closely with the class teacher and SENCO to help pupils access the curriculum. This can include supporting pupils with autism, ADHD, speech and language needs, social and emotional needs, or physical disabilities - adapting activities, using specialist strategies and equipment, and helping pupils build confidence and independence in the classroom.

Do you need a SEN qualification or experience?

• Prior experience supporting pupils with SEN (in a school, care setting, or at home) is highly valued, but formal SEN qualifications are not always essential. Schools will often provide training in specific strategies such as Makaton, TEACCH, or PECS once you're in post. What matters most is patience, consistency, and a genuine understanding of how to support pupils with additional needs.

Why work as a SEN Teaching Assistant?

Gain Specialist Experience in Education

• Specialist SEN Skills: SEN work gives you direct experience of specialist strategies, sensory support, and personalised learning plans - experience that's increasingly sought after across mainstream and specialist schools alike.
• In-Demand Expertise: You'll build genuine expertise in behaviour de-escalation, communication support, and working within an EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan) framework.

Opportunity for Career Progression:

• With experience, SEN Teaching Assistants can progress into HLTA positions, SENCO support, or specialist school posts - and this experience is a strong foundation for further study in SEN or educational psychology.

Experience, Training and Qualifications required for the SEN Teaching Assistant position:

• Previous experience supporting children or young people with SEN is desirable but not essential.
• Relevant training (e.g. Team Teach, Makaton, autism awareness) is a strong plus, but not required to apply.
• A calm, patient, and consistent approach to supporting pupils with additional needs.
• Resilience, adaptability, and a genuine passion for inclusive education.

To be eligible for the SEN Teaching Assistant position through Refine Education you must:

• Hold Right to Work in the UK
• Hold an enhanced child barred list DBS certificate registered with the online update service or be willing to process a new application
• Provide two professional references
• Experience working within an EHCP framework or SEN provision is an advantage, though full training and induction support is provided

If you're looking for your next role and are willing to take action, we'd love to hear from you!