Wythenshawe, South Manchester

Position: SEN Teaching Assistant
Location: Wythenshawe, South Manchester
Contract Type: Full-Time, Term Time Only
Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:20am – 3:30pm
Salary: £85 – £100 per day (dependent on experience and SEN background)
Start Date: ASAP / Next Academic Term

About the School

This welcoming and inclusive primary school in Wythenshawe, South Manchester is seeking a dedicated and compassionate SEN Teaching Assistant to join its committed support team. The school serves a large local community and is recognised for its strong pastoral care, inclusive ethos, and commitment to supporting children with a wide range of learning and additional needs.

The school prides itself on being a safe, nurturing, and structured environment where pupils feel valued and supported. Inclusion is central to the school’s values, and staff work hard to ensure that pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) are fully included in school life. The leadership team is experienced, approachable, and highly supportive of both staff and pupils, fostering a positive working culture where teamwork and professional growth are encouraged.

SEN provision is well established, with clear systems in place for identifying needs, delivering interventions, and reviewing progress. The school works closely with parents, carers, and a range of external professionals, including speech and language therapists, educational psychologists, occupational therapists, and behaviour support services. This collaborative approach ensures pupils receive consistent, well-planned support.

The Role

As an SEN Teaching Assistant, you will support pupils across Early Years, Key Stage 1, or Key Stage 2, depending on the needs of the school and your experience. Pupils you support may have 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.

The role may involve working 1:1 with a specific pupil who has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), or providing small-group support as part of structured intervention programmes. You will work closely with the class teacher, SENCO, and pastoral team to deliver tailored support that enables pupils to engage with learning, manage emotions, and develop independence.

You will play a key role in supporting pupils who may struggle with regulation, behaviour, or communication. Providing consistency, reassurance, and clear expectations will be central to your work, helping pupils feel safe and confident within the school environment.

Key Responsibilities

The key responsibilities of the SEN Teaching Assistant include:

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

• Supporting pupils to access the curriculum through adapted and differentiated activities

• Assisting with literacy, numeracy, phonics, and early learning tasks

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

• Supporting emotional regulation and positive behaviour

• Using de-escalation strategies and consistent behaviour approaches

• Supporting pupils with sensory needs and communication difficulties

• Encouraging independence, confidence, and resilience

• Supporting pupils during transitions throughout the school day

• Assisting with playtimes, lunchtimes, and structured activities where required

• Working collaboratively with teachers, SENCO, and pastoral staff

• Recording observations, behaviour, and progress

• Contributing to SEN reviews and multi-agency meetings

• Maintaining a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment

• Adhering to safeguarding, confidentiality, and school policies at all times

The Ideal Candidate

The school is looking for an SEN Teaching Assistant who:

• Has experience supporting children with SEN in schools or similar settings

• Demonstrates patience, empathy, and emotional resilience

• Is confident supporting behaviour and emotional needs

• Can build positive, trusting relationships with pupils

• Has strong communication and teamwork skills

• Is flexible and adaptable to meet the needs of different pupils

• Shows commitment to inclusion and equality

• Has a clear understanding of safeguarding and child protection

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

Training and Professional Development

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

• Regular SEN-focused CPD and training

• Support and guidance from an experienced SENCO

• Opportunities to develop skills in behaviour management and inclusive practice

• Access to external specialist training

• Ongoing feedback and support from senior staff

This role is well suited to individuals considering future careers in teaching, SEN support, educational psychology, or child development.

What the School Offers

In return, the school provides:

• A supportive and inclusive working environment

• Approachable and experienced leadership

• Strong focus on staff wellbeing

• Well-structured SEN provision

• Collaborative and respectful staff team

• Opportunities for long-term employment and progression

• The opportunity to make a real and lasting difference to 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 required to undergo enhanced DBS checks, provide satisfactory references, and complete right-to-work checks in line with safer recruitment guidelines.