1:1 Teaching Assistant

1:1 Teaching Assistant (SEND Support – Primary School)

We are currently seeking three dedicated and compassionate Teaching Assistants to join our team in providing 1:1 support for pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in a vibrant primary school setting.

Job Title: One to One Teaching Assistant ​

Positions Available: 3

Salary Scale Point: TA2​

Employer: Mercian Educational Trust​

Closing Date: Friday 28th November​

Interview Date: Monday 8th December

Start Date: ASAP

Location: Leigh and Bransford Primary School

Contract Type: Temporary/ Part-time

Hours: 25 hours per week with a strong likelihood of funding for more​

(This post could form a job share if two candidates wanted fewer hours.)​

Job Purpose and Key Skills

To provide high-quality, tailored support for pupils with a range of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), including moderate learning difficulties, autism spectrum conditions, social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs, sensory processing differences, communication challenges, emotional regulation needs, and motor coordination difficulties.

The Teaching Assistant (TA) will work closely with class teachers and other professionals to implement inclusive, structured strategies that help pupils access learning, develop confidence, and build independence within a caring and supportive primary school environment.

Essential Criteria

• Experience supporting children in a primary school setting with SEND, including autism, moderate learning difficulties, speech and language needs, sensory processing differences, and emotional regulation challenges.
• Knowledge of inclusive classroom practice and differentiated learning strategies.
• Ability to build warm, consistent, and nurturing relationships with children.
• Skilled in using visual supports (e.g. timetables, task boards), structured routines, and sensory regulation techniques to support engagement and focus.
• Strong communication and observation skills for identifying pupil needs and monitoring progress.
• Calm, patient, and empathetic approach to behaviour and emotional support.
• Commitment to promoting inclusion, safeguarding, and the wellbeing of all pupils.

Desirable Criteria

• Training in emotional literacy or emotional regulation programmes (e.g. Zones of Regulation, CBT-based, or other therapeutic approaches).
• Familiarity with assistive technology and alternative recording methods to support learning and communication.
• Experience delivering targeted small-group or 1:1 interventions in literacy, numeracy, or social and emotional development.
• Understanding of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and experience working as part of a multi-agency team.
• Knowledge of safeguarding and child development frameworks.
• Experience supporting pupils with complex family backgrounds or under child protection plans.

Key Responsibilities

Working under the direction of the class teacher and within the framework of an agreed education plan:

• Support individual pupils or small groups to access the curriculum through differentiated and personalised learning strategies.
• Promote engagement and concentration during lessons using appropriate prompts, visual aids, and structured routines.
• Assist in developing pupils' literacy and numeracy skills through scaffolded and targeted support.
• Encourage the use of assistive technologies and alternative recording methods to support communication and written work.
• Foster pupils' emotional resilience, self-regulation, and confidence through positive relationships, praise, and clear boundaries.
• Support pupils' social skills and friendships by encouraging cooperative play and inclusive interaction with peers.
• Work collaboratively with class teachers, the SENCo, and external professionals to monitor progress, adapt strategies, and contribute to pupil review meetings.
• Observe, record, and report on pupils' learning, progress, and wellbeing.
• Maintain confidentiality and uphold safeguarding procedures at all times.
• Take part in relevant training and ongoing professional development to strengthen knowledge and skills in supporting pupils with SEND.

General

This role is central to supporting the inclusion and success of pupils with additional needs within the primary setting. The Teaching Assistant will play an active role in promoting a positive, inclusive, and nurturing environment where every child is supported to achieve their full potential.

If you're passionate about making a difference in a child's educational journey, we'd love to hear from you

Job Types: Part-time, Temporary

Pay: From £13.26 per hour

Expected hours: No less than 25 per week

Benefits:

• Company pension
• On-site parking

Work Location: In person