Teaching Assistant

Job Title: SEN Teaching Assistant (Therapeutic Unit)
Location: Tenterden
Start Date: January
Contract Type: Full-Time, Term-Time Only
Salary: Competitive, Dependent on Experience

About Us:
Teaching Personnel is looking for a compassionate and dedicated SEN Teaching Assistant to support a therapeutic-focused primary school unit. This unit is committed to supporting children with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, and we are searching for a Teaching Assistant who shares a passion for providing meaningful and personalized learning experiences.

Role Overview:
As an SEN Teaching Assistant within this nurturing environment, you will provide 1-1 and small-group support to children with complex learning needs. You’ll work closely with therapeutic staff and educators to create a positive, encouraging space where students feel safe and empowered. This role is ideal for someone with experience or an interest in SEMH or therapeutic education and a desire to make a difference in the lives of children who require additional support.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide tailored 1-1 and small-group support to students with SEMH and SEN needs, ensuring each child receives personalized attention.
• Assist in implementing therapeutic and sensory learning approaches, working closely with teachers and support staff.
• Encourage students’ social, emotional, and academic development through structured and engaging activities.
• Support students in managing their emotions and behaviors within a therapeutic setting, fostering a calm and positive environment.
• Work alongside a multidisciplinary team to monitor progress, share insights, and implement individualized support plans.
• Engage with children during play-based learning and hands-on activities, helping them build social and communication skills.

What We’re Looking For:

• Experience working with children with SEN/SEMH needs, ideally within a therapeutic or educational setting.
• A patient, empathetic approach and the ability to handle sensitive situations with care and understanding.
• Strong communication skills and a collaborative approach to working with teachers and other staff.
• Relevant qualifications (such as a Level 2 or 3 in Teaching Assistance or SEN) are desirable, though not essential.
• A commitment to creating a supportive and positive environment that promotes emotional well-being and academic growth.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.
All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.
Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.
We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.
For details of our privacy policy, please visit the Teaching Personnel website.