SEN Teaching Assistant - Autism & Complex Needs

SEN Teaching Assistant (SEMH, Autism & Trauma-Informed Practice) Location: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk. This role is easily commutable from Bury St Edmunds, Stowmarket, Newmarket, Thetford, Mildenhall, Brandon, Lakenheath, Haverhill, Ixworth, Thurston and surrounding areas across Suffolk and West Norfolk. Salary: £14.50 - £16.00 per hour (depending on experience) Hours: Monday to Friday, 08:00 - 16:00 Contract: Temp to Perm Start Date: November 2026 or asap Make a Lasting Difference in a Child's Life Are you a compassionate and resilient SEN Teaching Assistant looking for a rewarding role supporting children and young people with Autism, SEMH needs and trauma-related challenges? Inspire EHC is recruiting for a SEN Teaching Assistant to join a specialist school near Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk. This is an excellent long term opportunity for someone passionate about helping vulnerable young people overcome barriers to learning, develop emotional resilience and reach their full potential. Working within a highly supportive multidisciplinary team, you will use trauma-informed approaches to help pupils feel safe, understood and ready to engage in education. About the School Our partner specialist school supports children and young people with a range of additional needs, including: • Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs • Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) • Communication and interaction difficulties • Trauma and attachment-related needs With small class sizes and a nurturing, therapeutic approach, the school creates opportunities for every pupil to thrive academically, socially and emotionally. The Role As a SEN Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with teachers, therapists and pastoral staff to provide consistent, individualised support. You will be supporting pupils within classes of up to six learners, helping them build confidence, regulate emotions and achieve positive outcomes both inside and outside the classroom. Key Responsibilities • Build positive, trusting relationships with pupils • Support children with SEMH, Autism and additional learning needs • Use trauma-informed strategies to encourage emotional regulation and engagement • Promote positive behaviour through calm, consistent and nurturing approaches • Adapt learning activities to suit individual abilities and learning styles • Work collaboratively with teachers, therapists and SEN professionals • Support pupils' social, emotional and academic development • Encourage independence, resilience and self-confidence • Celebrate achievements and help pupils experience success every day Requirements To be considered for this SEN Teaching Assistant role, you will: • Hold GCSE Maths and English Language at Grade 4/C or above (or equivalent) • Have experience supporting children or young people with SEN, SEMH or Autism • Understand trauma-informed practice, attachment awareness or de-escalation techniques • Be calm, patient and resilient in challenging situations • Have strong communication and teamwork skills • Be committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children • Be able to commute to Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk Ideal Experience Applications are welcomed from candidates with experience as: • SEN Teaching Assistant • Learning Support Assistant • Behaviour Mentor • SEMH Teaching Assistant • Autism Support Worker • Youth Worker • Residential Support Worker • Care Worker supporting young people • Teaching Assistant in specialist education settings Why Work With Inspire EHC? • Weekly PAYE pay with no umbrella company deductions • Access to over 20 FREE CPD training courses • Specialist SEND recruitment consultants • Ongoing support throughout your placement • Opportunities for permanent employment • Career progression within SEND and specialist education • Dedicated support with interview preparation and onboarding Safeguarding Statement Inspire EHC Ltd is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants will be subject to safer recruitment checks, including an Enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position. Apply Today If you're looking for a rewarding SEN Teaching Assistant job in Bury St Edmunds and want to make a genuine impact on the lives of children with SEMH needs, Autism and trauma-related challenges, we would love to hear from you. Apply today and take the next step in your SEND career with Inspire EHC. Keywords: SEN Teaching Assistant, SEN TA, Learning Support Assistant, SEMH Teaching Assistant, Autism Support Assistant, SEND Jobs Suffolk, Teaching Assistant Jobs Bury St Edmunds, Special Educational Needs Jobs, Education Support Worker, Behaviour Support Assistant, ASC Support Worker, SEND Careers Suffolk.

SEN Teaching Assistant – Cranleigh, Surrey Location: Cranleigh, Surrey Hours: Full-time, Monday 08:30–16:00, Tuesday–Thursday 08:30–16:15, Friday 08:30–15:45 Pay: £14.50 – £15.55 per hour Contract: Long-term / Temp-to-Perm Transport: Due to the rural location, public transport is not a viable option. Applicants must have their own reliable transport. Are you looking for a SEN Teaching Assistant role where you can make a genuine difference to the lives of children and young people with additional needs? Inspire EHC is proud to be recruiting a compassionate and resilient SEN Teaching Assistant to join an outstanding specialist education setting in the Cranleigh area of Surrey. This is not your typical mainstream Teaching Assistant position. You’ll be supporting children and young people aged 5 -19 with autism, complex learning disabilities, social communication difficulties and associated behavioural needs, helping them develop academically, socially and emotionally while building the practical skills they need for greater independence. About the SEN Teaching Assistant Role Working as part of a skilled education and therapy team, you’ll provide individualised support to pupils with a wide range of complex needs. Learning is highly personalised, with students supported according to their individual ability and social needs rather than simply their age. Alongside literacy, numeracy and other curriculum areas, there is a strong focus on communication, independence, practical life skills and preparing young people for life beyond education. Some pupils may be non-verbal and communicate using methods such as Makaton, signs, symbols and communication aids, so patience, creativity and the ability to adapt your communication style are particularly important. Your Role Will Include Supporting pupils with autism, complex learning disabilities and social communication needs Providing individual and small-group support within a specialist classroom environment Helping pupils engage with personalised learning activities Supporting communication and interaction Encouraging independence, confidence and essential life skills Helping young people regulate their emotions and behaviour when they become anxious, frustrated or overwhelmed Working alongside teachers, therapists and other specialist professionals Supporting pupils consistently through positive relationships and clear boundaries Contributing to a safe, nurturing and engaging learning environment The work can sometimes be challenging, so a calm approach, emotional resilience, empathy and a genuine desire to understand behaviour as communication are essential. About the Specialist School You’ll be joining an established specialist school and college in the Cranleigh area supporting young people with complex SEND. The wider provision combines specialist education, therapy and care, with an integrated approach designed to help each young person achieve the highest possible level of independence. The setting is rated Outstanding by Ofsted and holds autism-specific accreditation, including National Autistic Society accreditation and the Autism Education Trust Schools Licence for Surrey. It’s an excellent environment for someone who wants to build genuine specialist experience rather than simply gaining general classroom experience. Who We're Looking For We'd love to hear from you if you are: Caring, patient and compassionate Passionate about working with children or young people with SEND Calm and consistent when supporting challenging behaviour Able to build positive and trusting relationships Resilient and comfortable working within a complex-needs environment A good communicator and team player Willing to support pupils with varying levels of independence and communication Previous SEN experience is welcomed, but your attitude, resilience and empathy are just as important. Applicants do not necessarily need prior experience, with compassion and a positive "can do" attitude being key attributes. Important – Own Transport Required Due to the school's rural location, public transport is not a realistic option for this role. You must have access to your own reliable transport and be able to travel to the Cranleigh area for an 08:30 start. Please consider your commute before applying. What Inspire EHC Offers £14.5 – £15.55 per hour Weekly PAYE payments Long-term opportunity with potential to become permanent Access to 20+ free CPD courses Dedicated support from an experienced SEND recruitment consultant Opportunities to develop specialist experience in autism, SEND, complex learning needs and positive behaviour support A personable and honest recruitment process Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities Inspire EHC and our partner specialist school are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Successful applicants will be subject to appropriate safer recruitment checks, including an Enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references. Inspire EHC is an Equal Opportunities employer. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and are committed to promoting an inclusive working environment. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position. Apply Today If you're looking for a rewarding SEN Teaching Assistant job in Cranleigh, Surrey and want to build your career supporting children and young people with autism, complex learning disabilities and additional needs, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today to find out more about this long-term SEN Teaching Assistant opportunity.

SEN Teaching Assistant – Autism, Communication & SEMH Location: Near Attleborough, Norfolk Long-Term Opportunity to Become Full-Time & Permanent Term-Time Only Pay: £14.30 – £15.55 per hour Start Date: ASAP Transport: Own vehicle required (rural location) Are you an empathetic, creative SEN Teaching Assistant looking for a genuinely rewarding role supporting children with Autism, communication needs and SEMH? This is an exciting opportunity to join a highly nurturing specialist SEN school near Attleborough, Norfolk, with the real potential to progress from part-time to a full-time permanent position. This role is likely to begin on a part-time basis, making it ideal if you’re returning to work or seeking flexibility with a strong long-term prospect of becoming full-time and permanent as the school continues to grow. About the School Set within beautiful countryside, this specialist school supports pupils aged 5 –16 through a therapeutic, relationship‑based approach. Learning is immersive, hands-on and often outdoors, with a strong focus on emotional regulation, communication and wellbeing. The site includes: Four on‑site Forest Schools Extensive outdoor learning spaces Purpose-built therapeutic and sensory environments This is a calm, inspiring setting where staff and pupils thrive together. Why Join This School? Part-time role with a clear pathway to a full-time permanent position Stunning rural campus with acres of outdoor learning space Four dedicated forest schools offering nature-led, sensory learning Exceptionally supportive and training-focused leadership Whole-child, trauma-informed approach to SEN education Warm, collaborative team culture with strong staff wellbeing values The Role: SEN Teaching Assistant As an SEN Teaching Assistant, you will: Provide 1:1 and small-group support under the guidance of teachers and therapists Support pupils with Autism, communication difficulties and SEMH needs Implement behaviour support strategies and communication tools Actively participate in outdoor learning and forest school sessions Build trusting, nurturing relationships that help children feel safe and understood Support emotional regulation, engagement and learning throughout the school day What We’re Looking For A calm, patient and caring approach Genuine passion for working with children with Autism and SEMH SEN or school-based experience desirable (training provided) Own transport essential due to rural location Willingness to work outdoors in all seasons Commitment to a long-term role with progression potential What You’ll Receive £14.00 – £15.50 per hour (dependent on experience) Part-time hours initially with the opportunity to move into a full-time permanent role Free CPD and SEN training through Inspire EHC Ongoing support from a dedicated, experienced consultant The chance to join a truly special, therapeutic school community Important Information All applicants will be fully vetted in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE), including enhanced DBS and reference checks. Please note: Sponsorship is not available for this role. If you’re looking for a part-time SEN Teaching Assistant role that can grow into a full-time career, and you’re ready to swap fluorescent lights for forest trails, this could be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for. Apply today to start your journey with this outstanding SEN school.

SEN Teaching Assistant / SEN Learning Support Assistant Location: Stanstead Abbotts, Hertfordshire Salary: From £19,000, depending on experience Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:45am to 3:45pm, Term Time Only Additional Hours: One day per week until 5:15pm for after-school club Hours per week: 34 Contract: Permanent Start or develop your career in SEN education Are you a caring and enthusiastic SEN Teaching Assistant or Learning Support Assistant looking for a rewarding role where you can make a genuine difference? We are recruiting for an established and now expanding specialist SEN school in Stanstead Abbotts, Hertfordshire, supporting children and young people aged 2 to 19 with severe and complex learning difficulties and additional needs. This is an excellent opportunity whether you already have experience as an SEN Teaching Assistant, SEND Learning Support Assistant or Support Worker, or you are looking to build a long-term career within special educational needs. You'll join an experienced and supportive team where you can develop your skills, access ongoing training and build valuable specialist experience, with opportunities to progress and take on greater responsibility as your experience grows. What You'll Be Doing As an SEN Teaching Assistant, you'll play an important part in helping pupils access education, communicate, develop their independence and enjoy meaningful experiences throughout their school day. Your responsibilities will include: Providing 1:1 and small-group SEN support Supporting personalised learning programmes and classroom activities Helping pupils develop communication, interaction and social skills Supporting pupils with severe and complex learning difficulties Encouraging independence, confidence and everyday life skills Supporting positive behaviour and emotional regulation Working closely with class teachers, other Teaching Assistants and specialist professionals Supporting pupils with swimming and physical activities Providing personal care, including toileting and dressing, where required Creating a calm, safe, positive and inclusive learning environment Recognising and celebrating every pupil's individual achievements No two days will be exactly the same, and some of the biggest successes can come from the smallest steps. Who We're Looking For We're particularly interested in people who are patient, compassionate, resilient and genuinely motivated by supporting children and young people with SEND. You may already have experience as a: SEN Teaching Assistant SEN Learning Support Assistant SEND Teaching Assistant Learning Support Assistant Classroom Support Assistant Autism Support Worker SEND Support Worker Care or Residential Support Worker Previous experience within an SEN school or specialist education setting would be beneficial, but it isn't essential. Training and support will be provided for the right person. You'll need to: Have a caring, nurturing and positive approach Be comfortable working with pupils with complex additional needs Are comfortable supporting pupils with personal care where required Are able to swim, as this forms part of the school's wider pupil support and curriculum provision Communicate effectively with pupils and colleagues Remain calm and supportive during challenging situations Be willing to provide personal care when required Be able and willing to support pupils during swimming sessions Work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team Be committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people Why This Role? This is much more than a classroom support position. It's an opportunity to build a career within specialist education while making a visible difference to young people's lives. You'll benefit from: Term-time working Monday to Friday hours Ongoing SEN training and professional development A supportive and experienced specialist team Hands-on experience supporting children and young people with complex SEND The opportunity to develop specialist knowledge and practical skills Experience working alongside education and other specialist professionals Opportunities to progress as your skills and experience develop A rewarding role where your contribution really matters For someone considering a long-term career in SEN education, specialist teaching, therapy, pastoral support or SEND, this can provide invaluable experience and a strong foundation for future progression. Safeguarding & Equal Opportunities Inspire EHC and our partner setting are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Successful applicants will be subject to appropriate safer recruitment checks, including an Enhanced Child and Adult DBS and satisfactory professional references. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer and welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds. Please note: Sponsorship is not available for this position. Ready to Take the Next Step? If you're looking for an SEN Teaching Assistant job in Hertfordshire where you can develop your skills, build specialist experience and make a genuine difference, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today to find out more about the role, the specialist setting and the career development opportunities available.