Eccles, Salford / Greater Manchester Border

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

About the School

This inclusive primary school located on the Salford-Manchester border in Eccles is seeking a dedicated and compassionate SEN Teaching Assistant to join its supportive and collaborative team. The school serves a diverse community and prides itself on creating a nurturing, safe, and inclusive environment where every pupil feels valued and supported to succeed.

The school has a strong reputation for its SEN provision, with clear systems in place to identify, support, and monitor the progress of pupils with additional needs. The SENCO and teaching staff work closely with pupils, families, and external professionals to ensure support is personalised, effective, and consistent.

The school values both academic achievement and personal development, fostering resilience, confidence, and social skills alongside learning. Staff are encouraged to work collaboratively, reflect on their practice, and engage in ongoing professional development. The leadership team is approachable, supportive, and committed to maintaining high standards of care and inclusion.

The Role

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

The role may involve 1:1 support for a pupil with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) or small-group support as part of structured intervention programmes. Working closely with the class teacher and SENCO, you will help pupils access the curriculum, manage emotions, develop independence, and achieve personal learning goals.

A central aspect of this role is building strong relationships with pupils. Many of the children you support may require reassurance, structure, and consistency to engage with learning and feel confident within the school environment. Your support will be pivotal in helping them overcome barriers and reach their potential.

Key Responsibilities

As an SEN Teaching Assistant, you will be responsible for:

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

• Supporting pupils to access the curriculum through differentiated activities

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

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

• Supporting pupils with emotional regulation and positive behaviour

• Using restorative approaches and de-escalation techniques when required

• Supporting communication, social skills, and interaction

• Encouraging independence, resilience, and confidence

• Supporting pupils during transitions and unstructured times, such as play and lunch

• Working collaboratively with teachers, SENCO, and pastoral staff

• Recording observations and monitoring pupil progress

• Contributing to SEN reviews and multi-agency meetings

• Maintaining a calm, safe, and inclusive learning environment

• Adhering to safeguarding, confidentiality, and school policies

The Ideal Candidate

The school is seeking an SEN Teaching Assistant who demonstrates:

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

• Patience, empathy, and emotional resilience

• Confidence in managing behaviour and supporting emotional needs

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

• The ability to build positive relationships with pupils and staff

• Flexibility and adaptability to respond to changing needs

• Commitment to inclusion, equality, and safeguarding

• Understanding of child protection and safeguarding procedures

Experience working with autism, SEMH, or speech and language needs is desirable, but the school welcomes applicants with transferable skills from childcare, youth work, care, or family support.

Training and Development

The school invests in staff development and offers:

• Regular SEN-specific CPD and in-house training

• Support and mentoring from an experienced SENCO

• Opportunities to develop skills in behaviour support and inclusive practice

• Access to external specialist training

• Guidance and feedback to support professional growth

This role is suitable for individuals aiming to pursue long-term careers in teaching, SEN support, psychology, or educational therapy.

What the School Offers

• A supportive and inclusive working environment

• Approachable and experienced leadership

• Well-resourced SEN provision

• Emphasis on staff wellbeing and development

• Collaborative and respectful staff culture

• Long-term employment and progression opportunities

• The opportunity to make a meaningful impact on pupils’ 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 undergo enhanced DBS checks, provide satisfactory references, and complete right-to-work checks in line with safer recruitment procedures.