SEN Teaching Assistant: How To Become One

An SEN (Special Educational Needs) teaching assistant plays a crucial role in supporting students who face physical, behavioural, or learning challenges, often under the direct supervision of classroom teachers. 

This could involve aiding an individual pupil, a small group, or even within a mainstream class setting or a specialised SEN school.

Key tasks of an SEN teaching assistant encompass:

• Assisting students in grasping instructions and educational content using tailored techniques.
• Boosting student confidence and fostering their independence.
• Providing invaluable feedback to teachers and aiding in various classroom activities.
• Sometimes, supporting students during leisure time and social activities might also be a part of the role.
• Preparing educational materials under teacher guidance.
• Operating inside and outside the classroom to assist individual students or groups.
• Customising teaching methods to suit each student’s distinct needs.
• Ensuring the physical, social, and emotional well-being of students.
• Crafting a vibrant and enriching environment for the students.
• Offering vital information and assistance to teachers.
• Assisting teachers in maintaining key student records and tracking achievements, progress, and activities.
• Engaging with parents and other professionals, disseminating essential information to pertinent agencies for student welfare.
• Collaborating on therapy or care plans tailored to individual student needs, often with the guidance of appropriate professionals.

While training for SEN teaching assistants parallels standard teaching assistants, attributes like patience, creativity, and adaptability are indispensable. 

Given the evolving needs of each child, every day can be different. 

Though the role might pose challenges, the rewards of aiding disadvantaged children to succeed in their educational journey are immense.

Step 2: Enhance Your Eligibility for an SEN Teaching Assistant Role

Once you're acquainted with the demands of an SEN teaching assistant, it’s paramount to equip yourself with the essential skills and qualifications. 

It's pivotal to comprehend the prerequisites of the specific role you're eyeing. 

Every employer might have distinct expectations; ensuring you meet these before applying will set you apart. 

Step 3: Refine Your SEN Teaching Assistant CV

Your CV is often the initial touchpoint with potential employers, making it essential to keep it current and reflect your qualifications and experience. Remember, first impressions last!

To make a lasting impact:

• Update your CV with all relevant qualifications and any recent work experiences.
• Structure and present your CV to highlight your aptitude for the role.
• Realising the paramountcy of a CV in your job hunt, we’ve curated a comprehensive guide to ensure you craft an impressionable CV, paving your way towards a fulfilling career in education!

What skills do you need to become an SEN Teaching Assistant

Special educational needs (SEN) teaching assistants play a pivotal role in supporting school staff and pupils across the entire breadth of the country.

Like any teaching job, it's a role that can be challenging, but it also brings with it an abundance of opportunities to help young and disadvantaged people excel in education.

But what skills make for a great SEN teaching assistant? The basics around care, compassion and empathy are required in most teaching jobs, but there’s also a need to be highly flexible and to have great communication skills.