Job Description
SEN Teaching Assistant - Secondary School (Full-Time)
Location: Barking & Dagenham, East London Start Date: November 2026 Contract: Full-time, Term-time Salary: Dependent on experience
Are you a compassionate, patient and experienced SEN Teaching Assistant with a passion for supporting young people with additional learning needs?
We are working with a secondary school in Barking & Dagenham that is seeking a dedicated, proactive and experienced Special Educational Needs Teaching Assistant (SEN TA) to join their learning support team.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone with experience supporting students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) who enjoys building positive relationships and helping young people develop confidence, independence and essential learning skills.
The successful candidate will provide tailored classroom assistance to students across Key Stages 3 and 4, working closely with teaching staff and the SENCO to ensure students receive the appropriate support to access the curriculum and achieve their educational potential.
The Role
· Providing individual and small-group assistance to students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
· Supporting students with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), ADHD, learning difficulties and Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs
· Working closely with classroom teachers and the SENCO to implement individual learning and support plans
· Helping students access lessons and remain engaged in classroom activities
· Supporting students with communication, social interaction and emotional regulation
· Encouraging independence, confidence and positive learning habits
· Assisting with classroom management and promoting positive behaviour
· Using appropriate strategies to support students experiencing behavioural or emotional difficulties
· Supporting the implementation of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs)
· Monitoring student progress and providing feedback to teaching staff
· Adapting learning resources and activities to meet individual student needs
· Promoting a safe, inclusive and supportive learning environment
· Following school safeguarding procedures and maintaining appropriate confidentiality
· Working cooperatively with teachers, pastoral teams and the wider SEN department
The Ideal Candidate
· Previous experience working as a SEN Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant or in a similar educational support role
· Experience supporting students with SEND, including ASC, ADHD, SEMH or additional learning needs
· A good understanding of inclusive education and differentiated learning strategies
· Knowledge of EHCPs and individual student support plans would be advantageous
· A Level 2 or Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification would be beneficial
· GCSE English and Maths at Grade 4/C or above, or equivalent qualifications, would be advantageous
· Experience supporting students within a secondary school is highly desirable
· Strong communication and interpersonal skills
· A conscientious, patient and professional approach to student support
· Confident managing challenging situations and using positive behaviour strategies
· A strong relationship builder who can establish trusting connections with students and staff
· Able to work independently and cooperatively with teaching and support staff
· Flexible, reliable and able to adapt to individual student needs
· A clear understanding of safeguarding and student wellbeing
· Committed to helping young people overcome barriers to learning and achieve positive outcomes
Why Apply?
· Join an established secondary school in Barking & Dagenham
· Secure a full-time, term-time SEN Teaching Assistant position
· Work alongside experienced teachers, SENCOs and learning support professionals
· Gain valuable experience supporting students with a range of additional learning needs
· Develop your knowledge of SEND provision, individual support plans and inclusive teaching practices
· Become part of a positive and cooperative school environment
· Build meaningful relationships with students and contribute to their personal development
· Develop your experience in behaviour management and specialist learning support
· Play an important role in helping students access education and develop independence
· Make a valuable contribution to students' learning, confidence and wellbeing
If you are an experienced, patient and motivated SEN Teaching Assistant with a commitment to supporting young people with additional learning needs, take the next step in your education career.
Apply today to find out more about this full-time SEN Teaching Assistant opportunity in Barking & Dagenham.
Please note: Previous experience supporting students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities is highly desirable for this position.
