Job Description

Teaching Assistant

SEN/SEMH/Autism

Barking & Dagenham

SANZA Teaching Agency are recruiting on behalf of a number of excellent primary schools in the borough of Barking & Dagenham who are seeking teaching assistants to fill a variety of long-term roles from September 2026.

There are vacancies within early years, key stage 1 (KS1) and key stage 2 (KS2). The roles will be to support students on a 1:1 basis. The roles will be supporting students who have SEN/Autism and/or SEMH needs (social, emotional, mental health).

As a teaching assistant, you will:

  • Provide tailored 1:1 support for children with SEN/SEMH needs, including those with Autism.
  • Work in collaboration with the class teacher and school SENCO to adapt learning material to suit the individual needs of the child.
  • Encourage socialisation and peer interactions/relationships with the child you support.
  • Encourage positive behaviour and support children in following classroom routines.
  • Support children's emotional development and regulation.
  • Build positive relationships with pupils, parents and school staff.

About you:

To apply for this exciting opportunity as a teaching assistant, you will:

  • Have previous experience as a teaching assistant, ideally having supported children with SEN/SEMH/Autism
  • A clear understanding of how children with SEN/Autism may experience communication, sensory and social interaction differences.
  • Be able to use clear, consistent and supportive communication strategies.
  • Be patient and understand that all children with SE/Autism are different and this may require flexibility in your approach.
  • Be able to identify and respond appropriately to individual learning and sensory needs.
  • Be committed to celebrating the unique strengths of each child, and have a strong commitment to harnessing and promoting inclusivity.

Next steps:

Are you ready to make a lasting impact now? If so, click 'Apply Now' to be considered for this wonderful opportunity or contact Lauren McNaught on 0207 845 6240 or alternatively send an updated CV to lauren.mcnaught@sanzateaching.com