SEN Teaching Assistant

Location: Portsmouth
Pay: £100 – £105 per day
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am – 3:30pm
Start Date: ASAP

Are you passionate about supporting children and young people with additional needs? Do you have the patience, empathy and enthusiasm to help pupils feel confident, supported and able to achieve their potential?

Masterclass Education is currently recruiting for an SEN Teaching Assistant to join a welcoming and supportive specialist school in Portsmouth.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Teaching Assistant, someone looking to develop their SEN experience, or an individual with a background in care, support work, youth work or a similar setting who would like to move into education.

About the School

The school provides a calm, nurturing and supportive environment where pupils are encouraged to develop both academically and personally.

Staff work closely together to understand each pupil as an individual, with a strong focus on communication, emotional wellbeing, independence and positive relationships.

You will be joining a dedicated team who are committed to creating a safe and engaging environment where every pupil is given the support they need to succeed.

The Role

As an SEN Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with teachers and other support staff, providing 1:1 and small-group support throughout the school day.

Every day can be different, and you will play an important role in helping pupils engage with their learning, develop their confidence and build their independence.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with additional needs
• Supporting pupils with their learning, development and engagement
• Helping children manage their emotions and develop positive behaviours
• Working alongside teachers to deliver engaging and accessible learning activities
• Adapting your approach to meet individual pupils’ needs
• Building positive and trusting relationships with pupils
• Encouraging independence, confidence and social development
• Creating a calm, safe and supportive classroom environment
• Supporting pupils with their individual interests, activities and projects
• Providing personal care where required, always with dignity and respect
• Working as part of a wider school team to ensure pupils receive consistent support

What We’re Looking For

You don’t necessarily need previous experience working in a specialist school. We are interested in people who are patient, caring, reliable and genuinely want to make a difference.

Experience working with children or young people with SEN is beneficial, particularly experience with autism, learning difficulties, SEMH or complex needs.

We would also welcome applications from people with backgrounds in:

• Teaching Assistance or classroom support
• SEN or specialist education
• Care and support work
• Residential or children’s services
• Youth work
• Healthcare
• Sports, mentoring or community support

Most importantly, you will need a positive attitude, a calm approach and the ability to build strong relationships with pupils.

Why Work with Masterclass Education?

At Masterclass Education, we don’t just send you from school to school. We take the time to understand what you’re looking for and match you with opportunities that suit your experience, personality and career goals.

As a Masterclass candidate, you will receive:

• Weekly pay through PAYE
• Holiday pay
• A dedicated education consultant who knows the local Portsmouth market
• Ongoing support throughout your placement
• Access to free CPD-recognised online training
• Training including Safeguarding, Autism Awareness, Child Development and Behaviour & Violence Reduction
• Access to temporary, long-term and permanent education opportunities
• Opportunities across Portsmouth and the wider South Coast

Whether you’re an experienced SEN Teaching Assistant or looking to take your first step into specialist education, we’d be keen to hear from you.

If you’re looking for a rewarding role where you can genuinely make a difference to a child’s day, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply today or contact Masterclass Education for more information.