Location: Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire
Role Type: Full-Time | Term-Time Only
Salary: £22,000 – £26,000 FTE
Start Date: ASAP

About the School

Our Hemel Hempstead-based primary school prides itself on being an inclusive and nurturing environment where every child has the opportunity to thrive. Catering to children from Reception through Year 6, including pupils with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, speech and language difficulties, and social-emotional challenges, our school is committed to providing a high-quality education tailored to individual needs.

We have a dedicated ARP (Additional Resource Provision) unit, which works alongside mainstream classrooms to support pupils with complex learning needs, ensuring they receive personalised care and attention. This role offers the opportunity to work directly with children in both EYFS and ARP/SEN settings, supporting their development academically, socially, and emotionally.

Role Overview

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Teaching Assistant to join our Hemel Hempstead team. The successful candidate will work across EYFS, mainstream, and ARP classrooms, providing individualised support for children with SEND while assisting teachers in delivering engaging lessons.

Key aspects of the role include:

• Supporting children one-to-one and in small groups, ensuring learning objectives are met

• Implementing Individual Education Plans (IEPs), behaviour support plans, and sensory interventions

• Assisting teachers with classroom organisation, lesson planning, and activity preparation

• Promoting positive behaviour, social-emotional development, and resilience among pupils

• Supporting transitions between ARP units and mainstream classrooms

This role is ideal for a candidate who is patient, adaptable, and passionate about inclusive education, and who thrives on making a tangible difference in children’s lives.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver tailored interventions to pupils with a range of SEND needs, including autism, ADHD, and social-emotional challenges

• Provide support during lessons, assisting with tasks, encouraging engagement, and reinforcing learning

• Assist with playtime and lunchtime supervision, ensuring children are safe and engaged in appropriate activities

• Maintain detailed records of pupil progress, behaviour, and achievements for teacher and SENCo review

• Collaborate with staff and specialists to implement behaviour management strategies, sensory breaks, and learning supports

• Assist with preparation of classroom resources, visual timetables, and multi-sensory learning materials

• Support pupils in developing independence, self-regulation, and social skills

• Participate in staff meetings, professional development, and training sessions on SEN, EYFS, and behaviour management

• Support exam and assessment procedures where required, ensuring a fair and supportive environment

Person Specification

The ideal candidate will have:

• Experience working in EYFS, primary school, or SEN/ARP settings

• Qualifications such as Level 2/3 Teaching Assistant, NCFE Support Work in Schools, CACHE, or equivalent

• Knowledge of autism, ADHD, SEMH, and other additional needs

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to engage with children, staff, and families

• Patience, empathy, and the ability to remain calm in challenging situations

• Familiarity with safeguarding procedures, behaviour management strategies, and child protection policies

• The ability to adapt quickly to new classrooms, children, and learning environments

Training and Development

The school invests in its staff, providing:

• SEN-specific training on autism, ADHD, speech and language support, and SEMH strategies

• EYFS-focused workshops on play-based learning, early literacy, numeracy, and holistic child development

• Mentoring from experienced staff in SEN and ARP provision

• Access to career progression opportunities within EYFS, SEN, and ARP pathways

• Opportunities to collaborate with peers, share best practices, and innovate classroom strategies

Why Work With Us?

This role offers the chance to directly impact children’s lives, supporting their learning, development, and wellbeing. You will work in a supportive and collaborative environment, where your experience and contributions are valued.

The school promotes a culture of professional growth, inclusion, and wellbeing, offering staff the tools and resources they need to succeed. By joining our Hemel Hempstead team, you will help ensure every child, regardless of their needs, has the opportunity to flourish academically and socially.

Commitment to Safeguarding

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all pupils.

All staff are required to hold a current enhanced DBS check and adhere to school policies regarding child protection, health, and safety.