Job Description

SEN Teaching Assistant - Alternative Provision

Location: Islington, North London
Pay: per day
Contract Type: Full-time Temporary to Permanent
Start Date: ASAP
Commutable from: Camden, Hackney, Haringey, Barnet, Islington, Tower Hamlets, Central London and surrounding areas.

Long Term Futures is seeking a dedicated and resilient SEN Teaching Assistant to join a specialist education setting in Islington. This full-time opportunity is ideal for someone who is passionate about supporting pupils who require additional help to succeed in education, whether within a specialist school or a Pupil Referral Unit (PRU).

The role may involve supporting learners in either primary or secondary provisions, helping children and young people who have experienced barriers to learning, social and emotional challenges, or periods outside of mainstream education. You'll play an important role in helping pupils rebuild confidence, develop positive relationships, and successfully re-engage with learning.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver tailored 1:1 and small-group support for pupils with a range of Special Educational Needs and additional learning needs.
• Help pupils successfully re-engage with education by building positive relationships and promoting consistent attendance and participation.
• Support learners with Autism (ASC), ADHD, SEMH needs, speech and language difficulties, and associated learning barriers.
• Work alongside teachers, SENCOs and pastoral teams to deliver personalised learning strategies.
• Adapt classroom activities to ensure pupils can access learning at an appropriate level.
• Encourage positive behaviour through consistent routines, restorative approaches and effective de-escalation techniques.
• Assist in implementing EHCP targets and individual behaviour or support plans.
• Monitor progress, celebrate achievements and contribute to regular feedback with the wider school team.
• Create a calm, safe and inclusive environment where pupils feel supported to succeed.
• Work collaboratively with external agencies and professionals where appropriate to meet individual pupil needs.

Essential Candidate Requirements

• Previous experience working as a Teaching Assistant, SEN Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant, Behaviour Mentor, Youth Worker or Support Worker.
• Experience supporting children or young people with SEND, SEMH or challenging behaviour.
• An understanding of trauma-informed practice, behaviour support or alternative provision is advantageous.
• Confidence working with either primary or secondary-aged pupils.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build trusting relationships with young people.
• Calm, patient and resilient approach when managing challenging situations.
• A genuine passion for helping vulnerable learners achieve positive outcomes.
• Enhanced DBS on the Update Service, or willingness to obtain one.

What Long Term Futures Offers

• Competitive weekly pay.
• Dedicated consultant support throughout your placement.
• Opportunities to secure long-term and permanent positions.
• Access to CPD, safeguarding and behaviour management training.
• Straightforward registration and compliance process.
• Opportunities across specialist schools, mainstream settings and alternative provisions throughout London.

Ready to Apply?

If you're passionate about supporting children and young people with additional needs and want to make a lasting impact, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today with your CV. Successful applicants will be contacted for an initial discussion before completing safeguarding and compliance checks and attending a paid trial or interview.

By applying for this role, you consent to Long Term Futures storing your personal data for recruitment purposes. Your information will never be shared with third parties without your consent, except where necessary to secure employment.

Long Term Futures is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS checks, satisfactory references and safer recruitment procedures.