SEN Teaching Assistant

Teaching Assistant (SEMH/SEN)
Location: Greater Manchester
Salary: £23,000 - £25,000 per annum
Contract: Permanent
Start Date: ASAP

About the Role

The Education Specialists (TES) are recruiting on behalf of a specialist education provision in Greater Manchester for a dedicated and resilient Teaching Assistant.

This is a rewarding opportunity to support young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs and Special Educational Needs (SEN), helping them overcome barriers to learning and achieve their full potential.

You will play a key role in building positive relationships, supporting behaviour regulation, and contributing to a safe, structured, and nurturing learning environment.

Key Responsibilities

Supporting Students
Build strong, trusting relationships to support students’ emotional, social, and academic development
Support and implement personalised plans including EHCP targets, behaviour plans, and risk assessments
Manage and de-escalate challenging behaviours using proactive strategies
Deliver 1:1 and small group interventions focused on SEMH and wellbeing
Encourage engagement in learning by removing barriers and promoting participation
Support students during unstructured times (breaks, transitions, etc.)
Provide feedback to staff and parents/carers on progress and achievements
Support emotional regulation strategies (e.g. Zones of Regulation)
Work with students both in and out of the classroom where requiredSupporting Teaching Staff
Work collaboratively with teachers to support lesson delivery
Help maintain a calm, structured, and purposeful learning environment
Assist in preparing differentiated resources
Monitor student progress and report concerns appropriately
Record incidents and updates using internal systems
Promote positive behaviour and accountabilitySupporting the School
Uphold safeguarding policies and promote student welfare at all times
Attend training, staff meetings, and INSET days
Support supervision duties (before/after school, breaks, lunchtimes)
Assist with school trips and off-site activities
Contribute positively to the wider school team
Person Specification

Essential
GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths
Experience working with children or young people (education, care, or support setting)
Experience supporting SEMH, SEN, or behavioural needs
Strong behaviour management and communication skills
Ability to remain calm and professional in challenging situations
A genuine passion for supporting vulnerable young people
Commitment to safeguarding and professional developmentDesirable
NVQ Level 2/3 in Supporting Teaching & Learning (or similar)
Experience in alternative provision or specialist settings
Knowledge of trauma-informed practice or Zones of Regulation
Experience delivering interventions or working 1:1
Personal Qualities
Patient, empathetic, and resilient
Strong relationship-builder
Adaptable and solution-focused
Committed to inclusion and equality
Professional, reliable, and reflective
What’s on Offer
Competitive salary
Term-time only working pattern
Ongoing CPD and specialist training (SEN, safeguarding, behaviour)
Supportive and collaborative working environment
Clear opportunities for career progression
Safeguarding Statement

The Education Specialists are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants will be subject to enhanced DBS checks and referencing in line with safer recruitment practices.

How to Apply

To apply or find out more, please contact The Education Specialists directly.

We are committed to finding the right candidate for this role and will wait for a high-quality applicant who shares our passion for supporting young people.

Operam Education Group includes Provide Education | Teachers UK | Provision Recruitment | The Education Specialists | First for Education | Horizon Teachers | Key Stage Teacher Supply
 
We're proud to be an inclusive employer, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds and committed to creating accessible opportunities across education.
 
As part of our registration process, you'll need an enhanced DBS check and we'll need to see and copy your original qualifications before any placement. Teaching roles require Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed