Didsbury, South Manchester

Position: SEN Teaching Assistant
Location: Didsbury, South Manchester
Contract Type: Full-Time, Term Time Only (Long-Term Opportunity)
Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:15am – 3:30pm
Salary: £90 – £105 per day (dependent on experience and SEN expertise)
Start Date: ASAP / Next Academic Term

About the School

This highly regarded primary school in the desirable South Manchester area of Didsbury is seeking a skilled and compassionate SEN Teaching Assistant to join its inclusive and forward-thinking team. The school has an excellent reputation for its nurturing environment, strong academic standards, and outstanding commitment to pupil wellbeing and inclusion.

Serving a diverse and engaged local community, the school places children at the heart of everything it does. The leadership team promotes a culture of respect, collaboration, and high expectations, ensuring that every pupil—regardless of ability or background—has the opportunity to succeed. SEN provision is a key strength of the school, with well-established systems, dedicated SEN leadership, and a strong focus on early intervention and personalised support.

The school benefits from modern facilities, well-resourced classrooms, and calm, purposeful learning spaces. Staff are encouraged to share ideas, reflect on practice, and access ongoing professional development. There is a genuine emphasis on staff wellbeing, work-life balance, and feeling valued as part of the school community.

The Role

The SEN Teaching Assistant will play a vital role in supporting pupils with additional needs across both Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2. Pupils supported in this role may have a range of needs including Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), speech and language difficulties, social, emotional and mental health needs (SEMH), anxiety, sensory processing challenges, and moderate learning difficulties.

You will work closely with class teachers, the SENCO, and pastoral staff to deliver tailored support that enables pupils to engage fully in learning and school life. Support may be delivered on a 1:1 basis, in small groups, or within whole-class settings, depending on pupil need and the structure of support outlined in EHCPs and Individual Education Plans (IEPs).

A key element of this role is building strong, trusting relationships with pupils. You will help children feel safe, understood, and confident, supporting not only their academic progress but also their emotional regulation, communication skills, and social development.

Key Responsibilities

The SEN Teaching Assistant’s responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Providing targeted SEN support in line with EHCPs and IEPs

• Supporting pupils within the classroom to access differentiated learning activities

• Delivering structured intervention programmes for literacy, numeracy, and communication

• Supporting pupils with emotional regulation, anxiety, and behaviour management

• Using positive behaviour strategies and trauma-informed approaches

• Supporting pupils with sensory needs, including the use of sensory resources and breaks

• Encouraging independence, resilience, and self-esteem

• Assisting with transitions between lessons and activities

• Supporting pupils during playtimes and lunchtimes where required

• Working collaboratively with teachers, SENCO, and external professionals

• Maintaining accurate records of progress, behaviour, and engagement

• Contributing to review meetings and progress discussions

• Upholding safeguarding, child protection, and confidentiality at all times

The Ideal Candidate

The school is seeking an SEN Teaching Assistant who demonstrates:

• Previous experience supporting children with SEN in a school or similar setting

• A nurturing, patient, and empathetic approach

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

• The ability to remain calm and consistent in challenging situations

• Flexibility and adaptability to meet changing pupil needs

• A proactive attitude and willingness to contribute to school life

• A strong understanding of safeguarding and child welfare

Experience working with autism, SEMH, or speech and language needs is highly desirable, though the school welcomes applicants with transferable experience from childcare, youth work, care, or support roles.

Training and Professional Development

The school is committed to investing in its staff and offers:

• Ongoing SEN-specific training and CPD

• Support from an experienced SENCO and pastoral team

• Opportunities to develop skills in behaviour support, communication strategies, and inclusive practice

• Access to external training delivered by specialist professionals

This role is ideal for individuals considering a long-term career in education, SEN support, psychology, or child development.

What the School Offers

• A welcoming and inclusive school culture

• Supportive leadership and strong teamwork

• Well-resourced SEN provision

• A calm, positive learning environment

• Long-term stability and potential progression opportunities

• The opportunity to make a meaningful impact on children’s lives

Safeguarding Statement

The school is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff share this responsibility. The successful applicant will be subject to enhanced DBS checks, satisfactory references, and right-to-work checks in line with safer recruitment guidelines.