Job Description

SEND Teaching Assistant - Specialist SEND School

Location: Barnet, North London
Pay: £95-£115 per day PAYE
Contract: Full-time, Long-term Supply
Start Date: ASAP

Introduction

Tradewind Recruitment is seeking caring, committed and experienced SEND Teaching Assistants to join a welcoming specialist school in Barnet. This is an excellent opportunity to support children and young people with additional needs in a well-supported environment where you can make a meaningful difference every day.

About the School

This specialist SEND school supports pupils with a range of additional learning needs, including Autism, Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD), Moderate Learning Difficulties (MLD) and communication needs. Staff work collaboratively to create a positive, nurturing environment that helps pupils develop confidence, independence and essential life skills.

School Highlights

  • Specialist environment focused on personalised learning
  • Multi-disciplinary support from therapists and education professionals
  • Strong focus on communication, wellbeing and independence

Role Summary

As a SEND Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with teachers and support staff to help pupils access learning and achieve their individual targets. You will play a key role in supporting academic progress, emotional wellbeing and social development.

Key Responsibilities

  • Provide 1:1 and small-group support inside and outside the classroom
  • Support pupils with Autism and a range of additional needs
  • Develop communication, social and independence skills
  • Assist with sensory regulation and emotional wellbeing
  • Support the delivery of EHCP targets
  • Use positive behaviour strategies to manage and de-escalate challenging behaviour
  • Support pupils with daily routines and personal care where required
  • Use communication systems such as PECS, Makaton and AAC
  • Work collaboratively with teachers, therapists and support staff
  • Help create a safe, calm and inclusive learning environment

Candidate Requirements

We are looking for candidates who:
  • Have experience supporting children or young people with SEND
  • Are confident working with Autism and complex needs
  • Demonstrate patience, empathy and resilience
  • Can support pupils with communication difficulties
  • Build positive relationships with pupils and colleagues
  • Are proactive and willing to contribute to school life
  • Are passionate about helping young people achieve their potential
Previous experience within a specialist school, ARP, SEND provision, care environment or similar setting would be advantageous.
Qualifications such as CACHE, Level 2 or Level 3 Supporting Teaching and Learning, Autism training or Team Teach are desirable but not essential for experienced candidates.

Pay and Progression

This role offers £95-£115 per day PAYE.
The highest pay rate is typically available to candidates who can demonstrate significant SEND experience, strong behaviour support skills, experience with communication systems such as PECS, Makaton or AAC, and experience supporting pupils with complex additional needs.

Why Apply?

Role Benefits

  • Long-term opportunity with potential for permanent employment
  • Supportive and collaborative specialist SEND environment
  • Opportunity to make a genuine impact on pupils' lives

Tradewind Recruitment Benefits

  • Competitive PAYE rates with no umbrella deductions
  • Dedicated SEND specialist consultant support
  • £100 referral bonus for successful recommendations

Free National College CPD Access

As a Tradewind Recruitment candidate, you'll receive a free National College subscription.
Recommended courses include:
  • Autism Awareness and Inclusive Practice
  • Supporting Pupils with SEND
  • Effective Behaviour Management Strategies

Required Vetting

Successful applicants will be required to complete standard vetting checks, including:
  • An Enhanced DBS on the Update Service, or willingness to apply for a new DBS
  • Professional references
  • Verification of relevant qualifications and experience

Why Tradewind Recruitment?

For over 20 years, Tradewind Recruitment has supported education professionals in finding rewarding opportunities across the UK. We provide ongoing support, professional development and access to a wide range of schools and specialist provisions.
Call Tradewind Recruitment today and discover why thousands of educators have trusted us for over 20 years to help them find the right opportunities, in the right schools, with the support they deserve.