Position: SEN Teaching Assistant
Location: Cippenham, Slough Area, Berkshire
Pay Rate: £90–£120 per day, dependent on experience
Contract Type: Full-time, long-term with potential for permanent employment
Working Hours: Monday to Friday, term time only
Start Date: Immediate or next academic term

Overview

A welcoming and inclusive primary school in Cippenham, a residential and thriving subarea of Slough, is seeking a Special Educational Needs Teaching Assistant (SEN TA) to join its dedicated SEN team. This role is perfect for someone who is committed to supporting pupils with additional learning, social, or emotional needs, helping them access the curriculum and develop confidence in their abilities.

The successful candidate will work closely with pupils who may face barriers to learning, providing tailored support to help them thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. This is a hands-on role requiring patience, resilience, and flexibility, offering the satisfaction of seeing real progress in children’s learning and wellbeing.

About the School and Community

The school is located in Cippenham, a vibrant area within Slough that benefits from excellent transport links and a supportive community atmosphere. It serves a diverse population of pupils and prides itself on fostering inclusion, equality, and individual growth.

The school has invested heavily in SEN provision, ensuring that teaching assistants are valued members of the team, involved in planning, interventions, and progress monitoring. The SENCO works closely with teachers, external specialists, and families to create consistent and effective support strategies.

Key highlights of the school include:

• A calm, structured, and nurturing learning environment

• Experienced SENCO and specialist SEN staff

• Strong focus on inclusion, equality, and wellbeing

• Close partnerships with families, carers, and local services

• Access to educational psychologists, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, and other specialists

• Comprehensive professional development and training for staff

The school actively supports staff wellbeing, with a structured induction and mentoring system for new team members.

Pupils and SEN Profiles

In this role, you will support pupils with a range of needs, including:

• Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC)

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

• Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs

• Speech, language, and communication difficulties

• Sensory processing challenges

• Learning delays and developmental differences

Support may be provided one-to-one or within small groups, depending on individual pupil needs. Some pupils require consistent support throughout the day, while others benefit from targeted interventions at specific times, such as literacy, numeracy, or social skills sessions.

Key Responsibilities

As an SEN Teaching Assistant, your responsibilities will include:

• Providing tailored support to pupils with SEN to help them access learning

• Supporting pupils to engage in lessons and classroom activities

• Working with class teachers to adapt resources and lesson plans to meet pupil needs

• Implementing strategies outlined in EHCPs and individual support plans

• Supporting pupils with emotional regulation and behaviour management

• Encouraging social interactions, communication skills, and positive peer relationships

• Assisting with transitions between lessons, assemblies, and other activities

• Supervising pupils during breaks and lunchtimes when required

• Observing and recording pupil progress and behaviour

• Providing feedback to teachers, SENCOs, and external professionals

• Supporting personal care needs where appropriate

• Promoting independence while providing structured guidance

• Contributing to a safe, inclusive, and nurturing learning environment

The Ideal Candidate

The school is looking for someone who is:

• Patient, empathetic, and emotionally resilient

• Confident supporting pupils with additional learning, social, or emotional needs

• Flexible and adaptable to changing pupil needs and school routines

• A strong communicator and effective team player

• Passionate about inclusive education and making a difference

Previous experience in an SEN or school setting is desirable, but applicants with experience in care work, youth work, behaviour support, or mental health support are encouraged to apply if they are committed and enthusiastic.

Skills and Qualities

Essential skills and attributes include:

• Understanding of SEN and inclusive educational practice

• Ability to remain calm and consistent in challenging situations

• Strong observational, communication, and reporting skills

• Confidence implementing behaviour support plans

• Willingness to engage in training and professional development

• Proactive and solution-focused approach

• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting pupil welfare

Formal SEN qualifications are not required, as the school provides full training and ongoing support.

Training and Career Progression

The school is committed to developing SEN staff and offers:

• SEN-specific CPD and training courses

• Safeguarding and behaviour management training

• Mentoring and guidance from experienced SEN staff

• Opportunities to progress into senior SEN TA roles or specialist positions

This role is particularly suitable for individuals considering careers in teaching, educational psychology, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, or child mental health services.

Why Work in Cippenham, Slough Area?

Cippenham offers a welcoming community and a supportive working environment. The school provides opportunities to work with a diverse range of pupils, develop professional skills, and make a meaningful contribution to children’s learning and wellbeing.

Safeguarding Statement

The school is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS checks, references, and safeguarding procedures.

Application Process

If you are a compassionate, patient, and dedicated individual who wants to make a real difference in the lives of children with special educational needs, please apply for this SEN Teaching Assistant role in Cippenham, Slough Area today.