Ancoats, Central Manchester

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

About the School

This vibrant and inclusive primary school located in Ancoats, Central Manchester is seeking a dedicated SEN Teaching Assistant to join its committed and supportive team. Situated in a rapidly developing inner-city area, the school serves a diverse and dynamic community and places a strong emphasis on inclusion, equality, and opportunity for all pupils.

The school has a clear vision centred around nurturing the whole child. Academic progress is important, but equal value is placed on emotional wellbeing, social development, and building resilience. The leadership team is experienced, approachable, and deeply committed to inclusive practice. SEN provision is a key strength of the school, supported by a knowledgeable SENCO, well-structured systems, and strong links with external agencies.

Staff work collaboratively to ensure pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) receive high-quality, personalised support. The school has invested in training, specialist resources, and intervention programmes to meet a wide range of needs and ensure pupils feel safe, confident, and supported throughout their learning journey.

The Role

As an SEN Teaching Assistant, you will support pupils across Early Years, Key Stage 1, and Key Stage 2, depending on need and experience. Pupils may present with a range of additional needs, including Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), ADHD, social, emotional and mental health needs (SEMH), speech and language difficulties, sensory processing needs, anxiety, and moderate learning difficulties.

You may be required to work 1:1 with a named pupil who has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), or you may support small groups as part of structured intervention programmes. Working closely with the class teacher and SENCO, you will help adapt learning activities, implement personalised strategies, and provide emotional and behavioural support where needed.

This role requires patience, flexibility, and a child-centred approach. You will be a consistent and reassuring presence for pupils who may struggle with regulation, communication, or engagement, helping them to feel understood and capable within the classroom environment.

Key Responsibilities

Your role as an SEN Teaching Assistant will include:

• Providing targeted support for pupils with SEN on a 1:1 or small-group basis

• Supporting pupils to access the curriculum through differentiated learning activities

• Assisting with literacy, numeracy, phonics, and topic-based learning

• Implementing strategies from EHCPs, IEPs, and behaviour support plans

• Supporting emotional regulation and positive behaviour

• Using de-escalation techniques and restorative approaches

• Supporting communication and language development

• Encouraging independence, confidence, and resilience

• Supporting pupils during transitions between lessons and activities

• Assisting during breaktimes and lunchtimes when required

• Working closely with teachers, SENCO, and pastoral staff

• Recording observations and monitoring pupil progress

• Contributing to review meetings and SEN documentation

• Maintaining a calm, inclusive, and supportive learning environment

• Following safeguarding, confidentiality, and school policies at all times

The Ideal Candidate

The school is seeking an SEN Teaching Assistant who can demonstrate:

• Experience working with children with SEN in a school or similar setting

• A calm, patient, and empathetic approach

• Confidence in supporting behaviour and emotional needs

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

• The ability to build positive relationships with pupils and staff

• Flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced environment

• A proactive and reflective approach to practice

• A strong understanding of safeguarding and child protection

Experience working with autism or SEMH is particularly desirable, though applicants with transferable experience from childcare, youth work, mental health support, or care roles are also encouraged to apply.

Professional Development and Support

The school is committed to supporting staff development and offers:

• Ongoing SEN-specific CPD and in-house training

• Support and mentoring from an experienced SENCO

• Opportunities to develop skills in inclusive practice and behaviour support

• Access to external training delivered by specialist professionals

• Regular feedback and opportunities for reflection

This role is ideal for individuals considering long-term careers in education, SEN support, psychology, or therapeutic services.

What the School Offers

In return, the school provides:

• A welcoming, inclusive, and supportive working environment

• Strong leadership and clear expectations

• Well-organised SEN provision

• Collaborative and respectful staff culture

• Focus on staff wellbeing and development

• Opportunities for long-term employment and progression

• The opportunity to make a meaningful difference to children’s lives

Safeguarding Statement

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