Special Educational Needs Teaching Assistant

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) and Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs? Do you thrive in a role where every day is different and brings new challenges? If so, we want to hear from you!

About the Role

We are seeking dedicated and resilient SEN & SEMH Teaching Assistants to join our schools across West Cornwall. This is a full-time, permanent position supporting students with a variety of complex needs, including but not limited to:
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
• Speech, language, and communication difficulties
• Attachment and trauma-related behaviours
• Anxiety and school refusal
• Social, emotional, and mental health difficulties (SEMH)

Working within an alternative provision setting, you will support students who may have struggled in mainstream education due to behavioural challenges, emotional dysregulation, or past trauma. Many of our students require a flexible, patient, and compassionate approach to help them rebuild confidence and re-engage with learning.

Key Responsibilities
• Providing individualised support to students, either one-to-one or in small groups.
• Assisting the class teacher in implementing differentiated learning strategies and behaviour management plans.
• Managing challenging behaviours using de-escalation techniques and trauma-informed practices.
• Supporting students in developing social skills, resilience, and coping strategies.
• Encouraging engagement in education through a range of academic, vocational, and therapeutic activities.
• Working closely with teachers, therapists, parents, and external professionals to ensure the best outcomes for each child.

What to Expect from the Role

Working in an alternative provision setting can be both challenging and incredibly rewarding. You may encounter students who:
• Struggle with emotional regulation and display aggressive or avoidant behaviours.
• Have low self-esteem and need encouragement to believe in their abilities.
• Require structured routines and consistent support to feel safe and secure in the school environment.
• Show significant progress with the right interventions, leading to increased confidence, engagement, and personal growth.