Job Description

SEN Teaching Assistant - Specialist Provision within a Private School

Location: Chester
Start Date: September
Contract: Temporary
Salary: 92.62 to 109.07

Are you looking for a role where you can genuinely change a child's life?

Do you thrive on building meaningful relationships, celebrating small milestones and supporting children to achieve things they never thought possible?

Simply Education is delighted to be recruiting on behalf of a welcoming independent school in Chester for a dedicated SEN Teaching Assistant to join their specialist provision from September.

Located within easy reach of Chester, Ellesmere Port, Wrexham, Northwich, Winsford, Tarporley and the surrounding Cheshire area, this is a fantastic opportunity to work in a highly supportive environment where you'll make a real difference every day.

Unlike larger school settings, you'll be supporting a small class of just three pupils, allowing you to provide truly personalised support and develop strong, trusting relationships with each child.

About the Role:

You'll work closely alongside the Class Teacher to support three pupils with a range of additional needs, including:

• Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC/ASD)
• Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN)
• Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs
• Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)

Each child has their own strengths, interests and challenges. You'll play a vital role in helping them access learning, regulate their emotions, develop communication skills and build confidence in a calm, safe and nurturing environment.

This role is ideal for someone who understands that progress isn't always measured academically-sometimes the biggest achievement is helping a child feel safe enough to engage, communicate or simply enjoy their school day.

What You'll Be Doing:

• Supporting pupils on a 1:1 and small-group basis throughout the school day.
• Working alongside the Class Teacher to deliver personalised learning activities linked to EHCP outcomes.
• Using visual timetables, Now/Next boards and structured routines to reduce anxiety and support understanding.
• Encouraging communication, independence, emotional regulation and social development.
• Supporting pupils during transitions and helping maintain a calm, predictable classroom environment.
• Using therapeutic, trauma-informed and positive behaviour support strategies to de-escalate challenging situations.
• Building positive relationships with pupils, families and the wider multidisciplinary team.
• Recording observations and contributing to pupils' progress and well-being.

We're Looking for Someone Who:

• Has experience working with children or young people with Special Educational Needs.
• Has a good understanding of Autism, communication differences and sensory processing needs.
• Can support pupils experiencing anxiety, emotional dysregulation and behaviours that challenge.
• Understands that behaviour is a form of communication and responds with empathy, patience and consistency.
• Can use clear, simple and literal communication to support understanding.
• Is confident adapting their approach to meet each child's individual needs.
• Works well as part of a collaborative team and communicates effectively with colleagues and families.
• Remains calm, resilient and compassionate, even during challenging situations.

Desirable Experience:

Experience or knowledge of any of the following would be highly beneficial:

• Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC/ASD)
• Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)
• Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN)
• Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH)
• Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)
• Team Teach, MAPA, PRICE or equivalent de-escalation training
• Makaton or alternative communication strategies
• Speech and Language interventions
• Sensory regulation strategies
• Working within specialist SEN provisions or independent schools

Essential Requirements:

• Previous experience supporting children or young people in an educational, care or specialist setting.
• A genuine passion for supporting children with additional needs.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Patience, flexibility and a positive attitude.
• A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
• An Enhanced DBS on the Update Service (or willingness to obtain one).
• Right to work in the UK.

What You'll gain:

• The opportunity to support a class of only three pupils, allowing you to make a genuine impact.
• A welcoming, supportive and collaborative school community.
• Ongoing specialist SEN training and professional development.
• The opportunity to work alongside experienced teachers, therapists and SEN professionals.
• Competitive salary based on experience.
• A rewarding role where every day brings new opportunities to help children grow in confidence, communication and independence.

If you're someone who believes that every child deserves to feel understood, valued and successful, we'd love to hear from you.

What You Need to Do:

If you're interested in joining us, please click 'Apply Now' to submit an up-to-date copy of your CV, or contact Kevin Gleave or Nikki Wessels on (phone number removed).

Your consultant will be in touch to discuss the role and guide you through the next steps in the recruitment process.

All successful applicants will be required to attend an interview (online or face-to-face) and complete the relevant safeguarding checks, including the completion of a full application form, in line with safer recruitment practices.

Simply Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and safer recruitment procedures.