Job Description

SEND Teaching Assistant

Somewhere along the way, you realised you are good with children and young people that other people sometimes find hard to reach.

Maybe that came from a psychology or drama degree, a care role, youth work, volunteering, or growing up alongside someone with additional needs. Whatever your current job is, it may not be using that skill fully.

Reed Education are working with a specialist school in Croydon that supports pupils aged 4 to 19 with Autism, severe learning difficulties, and complex needs. Many pupils are non-verbal or have very limited verbal communication, so staff learn to understand what a child is communicating through behaviour, gesture, routines, sensory responses, and alternative communication methods such as AAC and visual supports.

This is a calm, structured, sensory-aware environment where every pupil is treated as an individual. The curriculum is built around communication, independence, emotional regulation, life skills, and personal development, as well as learning. Expectations are high for every pupil, however complex their needs may be.

What the role looks like day to day

As a SEND Teaching Assistant, you will support pupils on a one-to-one basis and in small groups, working closely with class teachers, therapists, and wider support staff.

You will help pupils communicate in ways that work for them, using visual timetables, symbols, objects of reference, and AAC where appropriate. You will also support pupils with sensory activities, regulation strategies, personal care, and structured learning throughout the school day.

Some pupils may need support with mobility, feeding, toileting, or accessing sensory and water-based activities. Full guidance, training, and supervision will be provided.

No two days are the same, and small breakthroughs matter here.

Who this role suits

This role is well suited to people who are patient, emotionally resilient, calm under pressure, and genuinely interested in working with children and young people with Autism and complex needs.

You may be a:

• Psychology graduate
• Drama or performing arts graduate
• Care assistant or support worker
• Youth worker
• SEN Teaching Assistant
• Learning Support Assistant
• Someone with lived experience of SEND

Prior school experience is helpful but not essential. Personality, consistency, empathy, and the willingness to learn are far more important.

Role details

• Location: Croydon
• Role: SEND Teaching Assistant / Learning Support Assistant
• School type: Specialist SEND school
• Age range: 4 to 19
• Needs supported: Autism, severe learning difficulties, complex needs, non-verbal communication
• Hours: 8:30am to 4:00pm
• Contract: Full-time, term-time only
• Start date: ASAP or September 2026
• Route: Long-term placement with a genuine opportunity to become permanent

The school is easily accessible from Croydon, South Croydon, Purley, Thornton Heath, Norbury, Sutton, Wallington, and surrounding South London areas.

Apply today through Reed Education to be considered for this SEND Teaching Assistant role in Croydon.