Job Title: SEN/ARP Teaching Assistant
Location: Buckinghamshire, South East England
Salary: £21,000 – £23,000 FTE (pro-rata for part-time)
Contract Type: Full-Time / Part-Time Considered
Start Date: September 2026

About the School

We are a well-established primary school in Buckinghamshire with a strong commitment to inclusive education, supporting children with a wide range of Special Educational Needs (SEN) and those in Additional Resource Provision (ARP). Our school ethos centres on creating a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment where all children can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

The school has a dedicated ARP for pupils with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and other complex learning needs, providing targeted support while integrating students with the mainstream school community wherever possible. Our experienced team of teachers and teaching assistants work collaboratively to ensure that every child receives a personalised learning experience that addresses their individual developmental, behavioural, and educational needs.

We are seeking a compassionate and skilled SEN/ARP Teaching Assistant to join our team, supporting pupils with additional learning needs to achieve their full potential and participate fully in school life.

The Role

The SEN/ARP Teaching Assistant will work closely with teachers and ARP coordinators to deliver tailored learning support, manage challenging behaviours, and provide a structured, safe environment for children with complex needs. You will support pupils both one-to-one and in small groups, ensuring that their individual education plans (IEPs) are implemented effectively.

Your responsibilities will include behaviour management, social skills support, academic guidance, and personal care, depending on the needs of the pupils you are supporting. The role requires patience, flexibility, and a strong understanding of SEN provision, including strategies for supporting children with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other learning differences.

You will also support classroom teachers by preparing resources, organising learning areas, and assisting with lesson delivery, ensuring that all children can access the curriculum in a way that is engaging, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide one-to-one and small group support for pupils with SEN and complex learning needs in both ARP and mainstream classrooms.

• Assist with the implementation of Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and Behaviour Support Plans, monitoring progress and reporting observations to teachers.

• Support pupils with emotional regulation, social interaction, and behaviour management, promoting positive strategies for learning and communication.

• Deliver structured activities and interventions, including speech and language support, occupational therapy strategies, and social skills development, under the guidance of teaching staff and specialists.

• Assist teachers with lesson preparation, resource creation, and classroom organisation to ensure smooth lesson delivery.

• Help pupils with personal care and daily routines, including eating, toileting, and self-management tasks, when required.

• Supervise children in classrooms, ARP areas, and during breaks or lunchtime, ensuring safety and wellbeing at all times.

• Encourage independence, confidence, and self-esteem, enabling children to participate fully in learning and school life.

• Collaborate with parents, teachers, and external professionals to plan and review support strategies, ensuring continuity between home and school.

• Contribute to the assessment and reporting of pupil progress, maintaining accurate records and providing feedback to the ARP coordinator and SENCO.

• Participate in professional development opportunities, including training in autism, ADHD, behaviour management, and other relevant areas.

Person Specification

The ideal candidate will:

• Have experience supporting children with SEN, particularly in ARP or specialist provision, including those with autism or complex learning needs.

• Be confident in managing challenging behaviours and supporting pupils to develop coping strategies, social skills, and learning resilience.

• Have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, able to work effectively with pupils, staff, parents, and external professionals.

• Be adaptable and able to respond to the diverse needs of children, creating a structured, supportive, and inclusive environment.

• Demonstrate patience, empathy, and a strong commitment to inclusive education.

• Possess a Level 2 or Level 3 qualification in Teaching Assistance, Childcare, or SEN support, or equivalent practical experience.

• Have a good understanding of child development, safeguarding, and SEN legislation.

• Be proficient in using technology to support learning, including educational apps, learning management systems, and data recording tools.

• Work collaboratively as part of a multi-disciplinary team, including teachers, therapists, and support staff, to provide holistic support for pupils.

Professional Development and Benefits

We value our staff and are committed to providing ongoing professional development to help you grow in your career. Benefits include:

• Training in specialist SEN strategies, autism awareness, ADHD support, behaviour management, and inclusive practice.

• Opportunities to work in both ARP and mainstream settings, gaining broad experience in SEN support.

• Support from a dedicated SENCO and experienced ARP team, with mentoring and guidance available.

• A collaborative and supportive working environment, with a strong focus on wellbeing and team cohesion.

• Opportunities to contribute to school-wide initiatives, enrichment programs, and intervention planning.

• Experience in supporting children with complex needs, helping you develop a specialist skill set for future career progression in SEN, ARP, or teaching roles.

Safeguarding Statement

Our school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff are required to undergo enhanced DBS checks, provide references, and comply with our safeguarding policies and procedures.

We are looking for a dedicated, compassionate, and experienced SEN/ARP Teaching Assistant who is passionate about making a real difference in the lives of children with additional needs, helping them thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.