Job Description:

Learning Support Assistant - Specialist & Challenging Settings

Hertfordshire | Welwyn Garden City | Full-time | Temporary | Make a Real Difference

Are you someone who stays calm under pressure, builds trust with young people, and knows how to handle challenging situations?

We're recruiting SEN Teaching Assistants to work in mainstream and specialist schools across Hertfordshire. We're particularly interested in people who have experience supporting children and young people with additional needs, challenging behaviour or complex emotional and social needs.

Perhaps you've worked in residential care, youth work, mentoring, sports coaching or another setting where patience, resilience and strong relationship-building skills were essential. Or you already work in education and want to develop your experience in a specialist setting.

Whatever your background, if you're confident working with young people who need structure, consistency and the right support, we'd like to hear from you.

What will the role involve?

As an SEN Teaching Assistant, you'll help pupils access education, manage challenges and develop the skills they need to become more confident and independent.

Depending on the school and the pupils you support, your responsibilities may include:

• Supporting pupils who display challenging behaviour, emotional dysregulation or difficulties with social interaction.
• Building positive relationships with young people who may struggle to trust adults or engage with learning.
• Helping pupils manage frustration, anxiety and difficult emotions using calm, consistent and appropriate approaches.
• Supporting children and young people with autism, ADHD, learning difficulties and other Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
• Providing one-to-one support or working with small groups in the classroom.
• Helping pupils follow routines, engage with lessons and develop communication and social skills.
• Supporting personal care and daily activities where required.
• Working closely with teachers, SENCOs and other professionals to maintain a safe, structured and supportive learning environment.
• Following safeguarding procedures, behaviour support plans and the guidance set out in Keeping Children Safe in Education.

Some days will be challenging. You may need to think on your feet, adapt your approach and remain calm when a pupil is struggling. The aim is not simply to manage behaviour, but to understand what is behind it and help each pupil make progress.

Your background could be exactly what we're looking for

You don't need to have worked as a Teaching Assistant before. We welcome candidates with relevant experience from a range of settings, including:

• Residential care and children's homes: Supporting young people with complex needs, emotional difficulties or challenging behaviour.
• Youth work and mentoring: Building trust, setting boundaries and helping young people make positive choices.
• Education and specialist support: Working as an SEN Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant, Behaviour Mentor or in another school-based role.
• Sports coaching and youth development: Motivating young people, encouraging teamwork and managing group dynamics.
• Personal experience: Supporting your own child, a family member or someone close to you with SEND.
• Voluntary work: Supporting children and young people through charities, community groups, youth organisations or similar settings.

Experience in a challenging environment can be a real advantage. We're looking for people who can combine resilience with empathy, set appropriate boundaries and recognise when a pupil needs patience rather than confrontation.

What we're looking for

You'll be a good fit if you:

• Have experience supporting children or young people with SEND in the UK, whether through employment, personal experience, residential care or voluntary work.
• Can remain calm, patient and professional when situations become difficult.
• Are confident building relationships while maintaining clear and consistent boundaries.
• Can adapt your communication and approach to suit individual needs.
• Are reliable, proactive and willing to learn from experienced education professionals.
• Have a current child and adult DBS check on the Update Service, or are willing to apply for one.
• Have the right to work in the UK; we cannot offer visa sponsorship.

Relevant qualifications are welcome, but they're not essential for every opportunity. Your experience, attitude and ability to connect with young people matter. Training will be provided.

Why work with us?

We're an education recruitment agency working with mainstream and specialist schools across Hertfordshire. We aim to match you with opportunities that suit your experience, strengths and career goals.

Here's what you can expect from us:

• Quick registration: Efficient registration and interviews via Zoom.
• Support finding work: We have a strong record of helping education professionals secure suitable roles.
• A friendly, supportive team: We're committed to understanding your needs and helping you find the right opportunity.
• Excellent feedback: Rated 4.9 out of 5 on Google.
• Free CPD training: Access courses worth £144.50 once you're cleared to work.

Whether you're an experienced SEN professional or someone with a background in care, youth work or mentoring looking to move into education, we'll help you explore suitable opportunities.

Ready for a new challenge?

If you have the patience to build trust, the resilience to handle difficult situations and the commitment to help young people move forward, apply today to discuss SEN Teaching Assistant opportunities across Hertfordshire.

You don't have to change who you are to make a difference. You need the right approach, the willingness to learn and the commitment to help every student reach their potential.