SLD Teaching Assistant – Severe Learning Difficulties

A welcoming specialist school in Greenwich is seeking a caring, resilient and confident Teaching Assistant to support pupils with Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD), complex needs and challenging behaviour.

This rewarding role would suit someone who is passionate about supporting children with additional needs and can provide patient, structured and consistent support throughout the school day. The successful candidate will be confident managing challenging situations, maintaining clear boundaries and helping pupils feel safe, supported and ready to learn.

The pupils you'll support

You'll work with children and young people with severe learning difficulties and complex additional needs. These may include:

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Severe and complex learning difficulties (SLD).

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ASD and ADHD.

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SEMH and emotional regulation difficulties.

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Challenging, disruptive or aggressive behaviour.

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Communication difficulties and developmental delay.

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Physical disabilities and associated personal care needs.

Some pupils may have EHCPs and require close 1:1 support throughout the school day, both within the classroom and during transitions and daily activities.

You'll take time to understand each pupil's individual needs, communication methods, behavioural triggers and support plans, helping them access learning and develop greater independence wherever possible.

What you'll do

Working alongside teachers, the SENCO and other specialist support staff, you'll:

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Provide 1:1 and small-group support for pupils with SLD and complex needs.

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Support pupils with challenging behaviour, emotional regulation and behavioural difficulties.

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Implement behaviour management strategies and maintain clear, consistent boundaries.

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Respond calmly and confidently to challenging, aggressive or unpredictable behaviour.

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Support pupils with communication, engagement and participation in classroom activities.

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Follow individual behaviour support plans, EHCPs and school procedures.

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Provide personal care, where required, with dignity and sensitivity.

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Support pupils through transitions, changes in routine and potentially challenging situations.

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Encourage positive choices, independence and social interaction.

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Observe and communicate changes in behaviour, wellbeing and progress to teaching staff.

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Work collaboratively with teachers and other professionals to ensure consistent support.

Who would suit this role?

We're particularly interested in candidates with experience supporting children or young people with SLD, complex SEND, challenging behaviour or SEMH needs.

Experience in specialist SEN schools, residential care, alternative provisions, or supporting individuals with complex learning and behavioural needs would be highly beneficial.

You'll need to demonstrate:

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Strong behaviour management skills and confidence supporting challenging behaviour.

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The ability to establish and maintain clear boundaries and expectations.

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A calm, resilient and consistent approach when managing difficult situations.

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Patience, empathy and an understanding of complex learning needs.

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Confidence supporting pupils with personal care and additional physical needs, where required.

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The ability to follow individual support plans and work effectively within a team.

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Excellent communication skills and a genuine commitment to supporting pupils' development.

Relevant training in Team Teach, MAPA, PRICE or other positive behaviour management and de-escalation approaches would be advantageous.

What the role offers

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A full-time opportunity in Greenwich.

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Competitive pay of £95-£97 per day, depending on experience.

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Valuable experience within a specialist SLD setting.

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The opportunity to make a meaningful difference to pupils with complex needs.

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Support and guidance from experienced school staff.

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Ongoing support from a dedicated education consultant.

Progress in this role may mean helping a pupil regulate their emotions, engage with a learning activity, communicate their needs or develop greater independence within their daily routine.

As an SEN Teaching Assistant, you'll play an important role in providing the structure, consistency, patience and specialist support pupils need to feel safe, access learning and reach their individual potential.

If you have experience supporting children or young people with SLD, complex needs and challenging behaviour, and are confident providing consistent, individualised support, submit your CV today to explore this opportunity in Greenwich
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed