Harpurhey, North Manchester

Position: SEN Teaching Assistant
Location: Harpurhey, North Manchester
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 expertise)
Start Date: ASAP / Next Academic Term

About the School

This inclusive primary school in Harpurhey, North Manchester is seeking a compassionate and experienced SEN Teaching Assistant to join its dedicated support team. The school serves a diverse local community and is committed to providing high-quality, personalised support for all pupils, with a particular focus on children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

The school prides itself on its inclusive ethos, nurturing environment, and focus on both academic achievement and personal development. Staff are encouraged to work collaboratively, reflect on their practice, and engage in ongoing professional development. The leadership team is approachable, supportive, and dedicated to creating a positive, safe, and structured environment where pupils feel confident and valued.

SEN provision within the school is robust and well organised. The SENCO works closely with teaching assistants, teachers, and external professionals to provide targeted support, interventions, and resources. The school also maintains strong partnerships with families and a range of specialist services, including educational psychologists, speech and language therapists, and behaviour support teams, ensuring a holistic approach to supporting pupils’ needs.

The Role

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

The role may involve 1:1 support for pupils with EHCPs or small-group support as part of structured intervention programmes. You will work closely with the class teacher and SENCO to implement tailored strategies that enable pupils to access the curriculum, regulate their emotions, and develop independence and confidence.

This role requires a calm, patient, and empathetic approach. Pupils you support may require additional reassurance, structure, and consistency throughout the school day. You will be a vital part of helping pupils feel secure, included, and able to participate fully in school life.

Key Responsibilities

Responsibilities of the SEN Teaching Assistant 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 tasks

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

• Supporting emotional regulation and promoting positive behaviour

• Using de-escalation techniques and restorative approaches

• Supporting communication, social interaction, and language development

• Encouraging independence, resilience, and self-confidence

• Supporting pupils during transitions throughout the school day

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

• Working collaboratively with teachers, SENCO, and pastoral staff

• Monitoring pupil progress and recording observations

• Contributing to review meetings and SEN documentation

• Maintaining a safe, calm, and inclusive learning environment

• Adhering to safeguarding, confidentiality, and school policies

The Ideal Candidate

The school is looking for an SEN Teaching Assistant who demonstrates:

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

• Patience, empathy, and emotional resilience

• Confidence in supporting behaviour and emotional needs

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

• Ability to build positive, trusting relationships with pupils and staff

• Flexibility and adaptability in a busy school environment

• Commitment to inclusion, equality, and safeguarding

• Understanding of child protection procedures

Experience with autism, SEMH, or speech and language needs is desirable, but transferable experience from childcare, youth work, mental health support, or care roles is also valued.

Training and Development

The school is committed to developing its staff and provides:

• Regular SEN-focused CPD and in-house training

• Mentoring and guidance from an experienced SENCO

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

• Access to external specialist training

• Ongoing feedback and support from senior staff

This role is ideal for individuals aiming for long-term careers in teaching, SEN support, educational psychology, or child development.

What the School Offers

• A supportive and inclusive working environment

• Approachable and experienced leadership

• Strong focus on staff wellbeing and development

• Well-resourced SEN provision

• Collaborative and respectful staff culture

• Long-term employment and career progression opportunities

• The chance to make a meaningful difference in 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 undergo enhanced DBS checks, provide satisfactory references, and complete right-to-work checks in line with safer recruitment practices.