Location: High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire
Role: Teaching Assistant – ARP Provision
Contract Type: Full-Time / Term-Time
Start Date: ASAP
Salary: £90–£115 per day (dependent on experience and qualifications)

We are seeking an experienced and compassionate Teaching Assistant to join an Additional Resource Provision (ARP) within a well-regarded primary school in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. This role is ideal for individuals passionate about supporting pupils with complex special educational needs (SEN) and providing high-quality, personalised learning support.

If you have a strong understanding of autism spectrum condition (ASC), ADHD, SEMH, and other learning difficulties, and enjoy working in a structured, supportive, and collaborative environment, this role is perfect for you. You will join a team of dedicated staff who are committed to helping pupils develop academically, socially, and emotionally.

About the School & ARP Provision

The school’s ARP caters to pupils who require small class sizes, intensive support, and personalised learning strategies. Pupils may have autism, social communication needs, moderate learning difficulties, behavioural challenges, or complex medical needs.

The ARP focuses on:

• Individual Education Plans (IEPs) tailored to each pupil

• Social, emotional, and mental health support (SEMH)

• Behavioural strategies to support self-regulation

• Collaboration with parents, teachers, and external professionals

• Integration and transition strategies for pupils returning to mainstream classrooms

The successful candidate will provide both academic and pastoral support, ensuring pupils access the curriculum, build independence, and develop confidence in a safe and inclusive environment.

The Role

As a Teaching Assistant in the ARP, you will provide direct, personalised support for pupils with a wide range of needs. This includes one-to-one support, small group interventions, and in-class assistance. You will be involved in supporting academic learning, emotional regulation, social interaction, and behaviour management.

Your role will be vital in ensuring that pupils:

• Participate successfully in classroom activities

• Develop positive behaviours and coping strategies

• Achieve individual targets outlined in their IEPs

• Feel safe, included, and confident

You will work closely with class teachers, SENCOs, behaviour support specialists, and other professionals to ensure that learning objectives are met, and pupils’ welfare is prioritised.

Key Responsibilities

• Support pupils with autism, ADHD, SEMH, and learning difficulties in classroom and intervention settings

• Provide one-to-one or small group support tailored to individual needs

• Implement strategies outlined in EHCPs, behaviour support plans, and IEPs

• Assist with academic lessons, including literacy, numeracy, and creative activities

• Support pupils with social skills development, peer interaction, and emotional regulation

• Encourage independence, self-confidence, and resilience

• Assist teachers with lesson planning, preparation, and classroom organisation

• Support transitions between lessons, activities, and school settings

• Use positive behaviour support strategies to manage challenging behaviour

• Monitor progress, provide feedback, and record achievements and concerns

• Participate in training and professional development opportunities

• Liaise with parents, carers, and external agencies where appropriate

Person Specification

We are looking for candidates who:

• Have experience supporting pupils with SEN, preferably in ARP or specialist provisions

• Are patient, empathetic, and resilient

• Can manage challenging behaviour positively and consistently

• Possess excellent communication skills with pupils, staff, and parents

• Work well in a team but can also work independently

• Understand the importance of safeguarding, confidentiality, and pupil welfare

• Are flexible, adaptable, and enthusiastic about supporting individual needs

Previous experience in EYFS, primary mainstream, or specialist settings is highly desirable, but candidates with transferable experience in care, support work, or voluntary SEN roles will also be considered.

Training and Professional Development

All staff in the ARP benefit from:

• Comprehensive induction and ongoing professional development

• Access to specialist SEN training, including autism, ADHD, behaviour management, and SEMH interventions

• Guidance and mentoring from experienced SENCOs and senior leaders

• Opportunities for career progression into Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) or SEN leadership roles

• Support for qualifications in SEN, mental health, or teaching

Why Work With Us?

This is a highly rewarding role offering the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of pupils with complex needs. Benefits include:

• Supporting children and young people to reach their potential

• Working in a collaborative and inclusive school environment

• Long-term placements and the potential for permanent positions

• Access to training, professional development, and career progression

• Being part of a dedicated team committed to high-quality education and care

Safeguarding Statement

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants must:

• Be legally eligible to work in the UK

• Complete an Enhanced DBS check

• Provide references from previous employers

• Adhere to all safeguarding, health, and safety policies

If you are passionate about supporting pupils with complex needs in an ARP environment, have excellent communication and organisational skills, and want to make a lasting impact, we encourage you to apply today.