Job Description:

SEN Teaching Assistant 

Location: Harrow, London
Start Date: ASAP
Contract: Full-Time, Long-Term

About the Role

We are seeking a dedicated, patient and experienced SEN Teaching Assistant to join a specialist education setting in Harrow, supporting pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced SEN professional who is passionate about supporting pupils with additional needs and helping them develop academically, socially and emotionally.

The pupils have a range of individual needs and are working at approximately Nursery-level developmental stages, so a highly nurturing, patient and individualised approach is essential. You will support pupils with their communication, engagement, emotional regulation, behaviour, independence and learning.

You will work closely with teachers and the wider support team to create a safe, structured and engaging environment where every pupil is encouraged to make progress at their own pace.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with SEN, including ASD and SEMH needs.

• Support pupils working at an early developmental level, adapting activities and resources to meet their individual needs.

• Build strong, trusting and positive relationships with pupils.

• Support communication, social interaction, emotional regulation and independence.

• Use positive behaviour management and de-escalation strategies to support pupils.

• Follow individual behaviour and support plans.

• Use visual supports, structured routines and sensory approaches where appropriate.

• Support pupils with classroom activities and encourage engagement in learning.

• Assist with personal care and other additional needs where required.

• Encourage pupils to develop confidence, independence and life skills.

• Work closely with teachers, SEN staff and other professionals to provide consistent support.

• Maintain a calm, safe and inclusive learning environment.

• Support pupils during breaktimes, lunchtimes and other activities as required.

• Follow all safeguarding, health and safety and child protection procedures.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have

• Previous experience working with pupils with SEN (ASD and SEMH) is essential.

• Experience supporting pupils with challenging behaviour and complex needs.

• A calm, patient, caring and nurturing approach.

• The ability to build positive relationships with pupils who may have communication, behavioural or emotional needs.

• Confidence using positive behaviour management and de-escalation strategies.

• Experience adapting activities to meet individual learning and developmental needs.

• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

• A genuine passion for supporting pupils with additional needs.

• Relevant SEN, Teaching Assistant, childcare or education qualifications are desirable but not essential.

• Must have an enhanced DBS registered on the Update Service (UDS).

We Offer

• A welcoming and supportive specialist education environment in Harrow.

• A rewarding opportunity to make a genuine difference to pupils with additional needs.

• A full-time, long-term position.

• Opportunities for professional development and training.

• Support from an experienced and dedicated staff team.

• The opportunity to develop your experience working with pupils with ASD, SEMH and complex learning needs.

If you have previous SEN experience and are passionate about supporting pupils with additional needs, we would love to hear from you.